Five-year action plan launched to improve the River Thames and its tributaries from Maidenhead to Teddington
Environmental charity Thames21 and its partners have launched the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Action Plan 2026–2031 – a collaborative plan setting out an ambitious vision to restore the Thames and its tributaries between Maidenhead and Teddington.
Developed through the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA), the plan identifies key environmental challenges facing the catchment and sets out a framework with practical interventions to address these issues over the next five years.
The plan focuses on four strategic priorities:
- Biodiversity and habitat – To increase the quality and biodiversity value of blue spaces across the catchment
- Climate resilience – To increase the catchment’s resilience to drought and flooding, ensuring there is enough water to support the needs of the environment and future communities
- Community involvement – To raise awareness of key issues, increase access to rivers and wetlands and transfer knowledge to upskill and empower local communities to advocate for their local environment
- Water quality – To improve river health by identifying and addressing sources of pollution across the catchment
Various opportunities have been identified to address and mitigate catchment-wide issues, from restoring river habitats, reconnecting floodplains and improving fish passage to resolving sources of pollution, developing natural flood management schemes, delivering citizen science training, and engaging local communities in protecting their rivers.
The Catchment Action Plan brings together local river stakeholders (including community groups, river action groups, local authorities, water companies, statutory organisations and eNGOs) to deliver a shared framework to tackle key issues in the catchment, acknowledging that improving rivers requires collaboration across organisations, sectors and communities.
Sarah Thornley, Host of the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Partnership at Thames21, said: “Our rivers and wetlands are at the heart of this catchment’s natural heritage, supporting wildlife and connecting communities. This Catchment Action Plan sets out an ambitious but achievable programme of work to restore and protect these vital environments. Through shared commitment, community engagement, and evidence-led action, we have an opportunity to create a healthier, more resilient and accessible catchment.
“I would like to extend my thanks to catchment partners for their contributions towards our catchment action plan. I look forward to supporting its delivery and working together to achieve our shared vision.”
Nellie Huddleston, Catchment Coordinator, Environment Agency, added: “This Catchment Action Plan provides a structure to bring together partners, communities and stakeholders to deliver practical improvements across the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment. Working collaboratively as a partnership over the next five years, the projects will ensure that the Thames and its tributaries continue to provide benefits for both people and nature.”
Access the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Action Plan 2026–2031 here.
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Notes to Editors
About the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Partnership
The Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Partnership was established in 2014 and represents those involved in looking after the rivers across the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment. Over thirty organisations are represented in the partnership, (including local authorities, community & river action groups, statutory organisations, water companies and eNGOs) working together to improve the water environment for people and nature.
About Thames21
Thames21 is an environmental charity that restores rivers across London and the Thames Basin to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, whilst also connecting communities with their local rivers, inspiring them to enjoy and look after them over the long term.
www.thames21.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1103997
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