Londoners encouraged to discover their local rivers as festival returns
Londoners are being encouraged to reconnect with their local rivers as part of this year’s London Rivers Week 2026, marking a decade of connecting people with the capital’s waterways.
Running from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May, the festival, which main theme is “know your local river”, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a wide-ranging programme of free events designed to help people discover, enjoy and care for the rivers on their doorstep.
While the River Thames – particularly its tidal stretch through central London – is widely recognised, many of the smaller rivers and tributaries that feed into it remain largely unknown. London Rivers Week aims to shine a light not only on the tidal Thames, but on London’s lesser-known local rivers, helping people uncover the network of rivers that flow through their neighbourhoods.
From guided walks and boat trips to clean-ups and family-friendly activities, the festival invites people of all ages to experience the city’s rivers in new ways, and to recognise both their value and the work being done to protect them.
London’s rivers are vital spaces for wildlife and communities alike, but they continue to face significant challenges, including pollution, urban run-off and the growing impacts of climate change. Building a stronger connection between people and their local rivers is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding these environments for the future, the organisers of the festival state.
Projects across the capital are helping to restore rivers to a more natural state, improving habitats, supporting biodiversity and creating healthier, more resilient waterways. Organisers say that public awareness and involvement are key to ensuring this progress continues.
As the organisers celebrate ten years of bringing people closer to nature and restoring local rivers, they are calling on Londoners to “know your local river”- to explore it, understand its story and play a role in its future. Whether it’s attending an event, volunteering, or simply spending time by the water, every connection helps build a stronger movement to protect the city’s blue spaces, the organisers argue.
Chris Coode, CEO at environmental charity Thames21, said: “We’re delighted to see London Rivers Week return for its tenth year, bringing together communities, partners and river users to celebrate the capital’s blue spaces. With a fantastic programme of free events – from riverside walks and cruises to family-friendly activities – the ‘Week’ invites everyone to get to know London’s rivers in new ways.
“The more people understand and value their local rivers, the more we can achieve together to protect and restore them for the future.”
Dave Webb, a biodiversity specialist at the Environment Agency who chairs River Partnerships in London, said: “Rivers define London. We value them as an essential resource, bringing wildlife to the heart of the city, connecting people, nature, and both past and future generations.
“This year’s programme provides the opportunity to reflect on challenges and successes, but also to get out and see your river in a new light. So, get to know your river and be part of the story.”
Notes to editors
*London Rivers Week is organised by the River Partnerships in London (RiPL) via the London Rivers Week steer group. The principal organisations running London Rivers Week are CPRE London, the Environment Agency, London Wildlife Trust, South East Rivers Trust, Thames Estuary Partnership and ZSL. In addition to these organisations, many other groups run and contribute to events, walks, talks and seminars to demonstrate the value of the city’s rivers and wetlands. London Rivers Week 2026 is sponsored by Tideway.
The River Partnerships in London group is hosted by Thames21, bringing together partnerships on rivers throughout the capital to enable shared action to protect, enhance and deliver cleaner, more vibrant and accessible rivers for all.