Thames Water celebrates London Rivers Week 2021

A nature reserve open day, employee volunteering and a webinar about the effects of climate change on our rivers and waterways. 

These are just some of the events Thames Water is hosting as part of its celebrations for London Rivers Week.

Now in its sixth year, London Rivers Week aims to raise awareness of London’s network of rivers, how they benefit communities and how they can be protected. Thames Water sponsors the week, which is taking place from October 23 to 31.

Richard Aylard, Thames Water sustainability director said: “London Rivers Week is a brilliant opportunity to highlight the amazing habitats, waterways, and recreational activities on customers’ doorsteps. We are delighted to sponsor these events as protecting and enhancing the environment in London is extremely important to us.”

One of the company’s events include an open day at Hogsmill Nature Reserve. The 8-acre reserve which is packed with wildlife and biodiversity, is located right in the heart of Kingston upon Thames and is filled with activities to create a fun day out for all ages, from bird watching to hunting for minibeasts. The site will be open to customers and the local community on Thursday October 28, 11am – 3pm. 

Thames Water is also hosting a Climate Resilience of Waterways webinar on Wednesday October 27, 4 – 5pm, featuring:

• David Balmforth (ex-President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Independent consultant and Government Advisor). 
• Fiona Barbour (Global Practice Leader for Water Resources and Flooding at Mott MacDonald)
• Professor Adrian Butler (Professor of Subsurface Hydrology at Imperial College).

With COP26 taking place in Glasgow one week after London Rivers Week, the panel will discuss how we can help waterways become more climate resilient, and the effects of climate change on urban development and drainage.

Other webinars Thames Water is hosting include:

• London Strategic Sustainable Drainage Systems: Thames Water will explore the London Strategic Sustainable systems, which help reduce flood risk and provide socio-economic and natural capital benefits. Monday October 25, 1 – 2pm. 
• The Capital’s Rivers: Learn about the capital’s rivers and wildlife and Thames Water’s ‘Live Wild’ campaign. Tuesday October 26, 11 – 11:30am.

Earlier this year, Thames Water launched its ‘Live Wild’ campaign to encourage customers to visit its public wetlands, reservoirs and nature reserves. The campaign highlights the great days out on customers’ doorsteps and the wellbeing benefits green outdoor spaces and wildlife bring to communities.