Environmental organisations
Working within the Environment Agency’s 'catchment-based approach' gives us exciting opportunities. It brings water companies together with a wide range of environmentally focused organisations. These include government bodies, local authorities, community groups, academics, and local businesses. We help to make our shared vision happen through Catchment Partnerships.
In our region, we have 27 established Catchment Partnerships with over 400 stakeholders. By merging the knowledge and skills of all partners, we can create stronger opportunities for each catchment.
We value the important role of partnerships and the input from environmental organisations. We invite everyone to join us in achieving our shared goals for healthier, more resilient environments.
Catchment partnerships across our region
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1. Beverley Brook 2. Brent 3. Cherwell and Ray 4. Crane Valley 5. Colne 6. Darent and Cray 7. Evenlode 8. Hogsmill 9. Kennet 10. Loddon 11. London Lea 12. Lower Lea 13. Luton Lea 14. Maidenhead to Teddington |
15. Marsh Dykes and Thamesmead 16. Mole 17. Ock 18. Ravensbourne 19. Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne 20. South Chilterns 21. Thame 22. Upper and Middle Lea 23. Upper Thames 24. Wandle 25. Wey 26. Windrush 27. Your Tidal Thames
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Find your local catchment partnership.
Our work
Learn more about how we work with Catchment Partnerships and environmental organisations.
Smarter Water Catchments
Funding for our Smarter Water Catchments approach tackles threats to river health. We work harmoniously with partners to resolve challenges.
Chalk streams
Approximately 85% of the world’s chalk streams are found in the UK. Many sit within our region and we take pride in our responsibility to protect them.
Our biodiversity partnership work
Since 2020, our biodiversity team has partnered with charities to create new nature sites. One example is the Unstead Wetland Nature Reserve, next to Godalming Sewage Treatment Works in Surrey.
We worked together with the Unstead Nature Community Group (UNCG) to enhance 11 hectares of land. This included the creation and restoration of over three hectares of wetlands. We planted a Miyawaki forest, orchard, hazel copse, blackthorn copse, and hedgerow. This totalled 3,879 trees. The project has contributed to nature recovery, protected species enhancement, and ecosystem services. Within two years, the protected great crested newt returned to breed in the lagoons and the number of birds species has doubled. The populations of harvest mice and black hairstreak butterfly have also increased. Water quality across the site has notably improved.
Community engagement was key to the site’s design and success. We added information boards, a pond dipping platform, boardwalk, a cabin, and upgraded the bird hide. This has improved accessibility to the site.
The UNCG became a registered charity and now leases the site. They have over 180 members who use their own funds and time to enhance the site. This includes planting trees, spreading seeds, and managing habitats for target species. We also collaborate with stakeholders, including the Wildlife Trust, BugLife and local farmers. This boosts the biodiversity and habitat connectivity for the wider area.
In 2025, this site won the CIEEM Best Practice award for 'Large-Scale Practical Nature Conservation'.
Get involved
We know local stakeholders have valuable insights. They provide ‘eyes on the ground’ to help design better projects that benefit our communities. To get involved with our partnership work, please contact partnerships@thameswater.co.uk.
Support for environmental organisations and Catchment Partnerships
We're supporting Catchment Partnerships and environmental organisations. For a full list of funding opportunities, view our available funding page.
River Health and Community Fund
We're proud to launch the River Health and Community Fund with a £20 million commitment.
This Fund will help us continue to invest in our catchments. It will deliver nature-based solutions, boost resilience, and encourage collaboration. It will also support our regulatory goals, such as addressing storm overflows and reducing phosphorus inputs.
There are three grants available as part of the Fund:
- Microgrants: supports projects up to £5,000
- Engage the River: supports projects up to £50,000
- Enhance the River: supports projects up to £150,000
For any questions, please contact: partnerships@thameswater.co.uk.
Expression of interest for partnership projects
Partnership projects play an important role. They help deliver our environmental commitments and targets. We will be looking for opportunities that support our regulatory drivers and priorities.
An expression of interest form will open in April 2026 to help us find projects that align with these drivers.
For any questions, please contact partnerships@thameswater.co.uk.