London Rivers Week 2024 events 22-30 June

London Rivers Week, now in its eighth year, is back!

• Check out the event listings.

London Rivers Week is a week-long annual campaign inspiring the public to celebrate all of London’s rivers and the many projects taking place to protect them. This year’s event, running 22nd – 30th June, promises to be bigger and better than ever – this year’s theme is ‘London is a river city’, with a focus on health and well-being and cultural activities.

Get involved in the many free walks, talks, river clean-ups and open webinars. Many events are free to join, but you need to register.

CPRE London helps organise the week and runs or is involved with some of the events. See below – some events CPRE London is involved in. For more details and to register – please go to the events listing page at Thames 21.

Make London a Sponge City!

24 June: 6.00pm to 7.30pm  

The Gallery (2 mins from Farringdon station).

There is an urgent need to increase London’s resilience to climate change by creating major new wetland areas and an estimated 357,000 new rain gardens of around 20 m sq each.  Existing targets are set too far in the future.  Action is needed now! As standard, any roadworks should require a needs assessment for rain-gardens, and where needed – delivery!  This is the most cost effective way to accelerate rain garden creation.  Rain gardens are also a wonderful way to green our streets and can include trees, helping with urban cooling.  Rain gardens can also help with making our streets greener and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists.  Learn more at this panel event which will include networking opportunities for people interested in this important issue.

Tidal Thames fishery survey on the foreshore of Royal Naval College

25 June – 10.30am to 11.30am 

The Environment Agency fishery team will carry out a fish survey at Greenwich Foreshore. This entails carrying out a seine netting, kick-samples, and  measuring and recording fish. The activity will enable people to access the Thames foreshore and watch the survey take place. Participants will be able to watch the measuring of the fish and talk to officers about the ecology of the Thames and the fish that live in the river.  Bring your own wellies.  If you need to borrow wellies email anna@cprelondon.org.uk.  Max capacity 20 people. More details coming soon!

Inclusive nature cycle – learn about the urgent need for more rain gardens

Saturday 29 June – 10.30am to 1.30pm : 

An exploration of sustainable urban drainage systems or SUDS.  Learn more about how these can help create a ‘sponge city’ and also make our streets greener and more beautiful – nurturing the health and well being of Londoners.  Capacity 15 people. More details coming soon.