Natural Thames

Voices from the river

We asked key partners to share their views on the future prospects for the Thames as a natural haven.

• Anna Cucknell, ZSL

• Marc Outten, RSPB

• Charlie Wood, Environment Agency

The UN is reporting globally unprecedented declines in nature which will impact the Thames’ migrating populations for birds, fish and mammals. Internationally predictions are that there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, unless radical act

Studies by postgraduate students at Royal Holloway, University of London,  bear this out on the Thames.  They found that microplastics are present in high quantities throughout the tidal Thames and are being ingested by wildlife.  These plastics include fibres from washing machine outflows and potentially from sewage outfalls, as well as fragments from the breakup of larger plastics, such as packaging items that are most abundant in the water.  

We expect a wider pattern of change in habitats and species; some existing species may adapt, others may be driven out, extreme weather will damage habitats and also remove habitats entirely.

Habitat restoration and improvement is a priority.  Major works were completed in Essex and Kent in 2018 by the RSPB, supported by the PLA; we are also restoring a saltmarsh Site of Special Scientific Interest in Thurrock, eroded by the loss of coastal habitats in front of sea defences, returning it to 1990s extent.  

London Gateway has completed works in Cliffe, Kent as part of compensation habitat development, with a managed retreat of the flood wall, creating space for water and wildlife. 

New pollutants like brake dust, microplastics and fire retardants are being found in the food chain, with marine environments a route for their transfer.  We will work with partners to tackle this, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.3 “eliminating dumping and minimising release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse”

River and riverside developments are expected as a result of growth in both Trading and Destination Thames activities.  The Natural Thames could benefit as a result, with Biodiversity Net Gain requiring that there is an overall increase in habitats adversely affected by development.

The Natural Thames is a major draw for people, for day-to-day riverside strolls, or longer walks, for example on the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path, connecting central London to the north Kent coast.

The Thames attracts significant community volunteering to help protect and enhance the river and riverside.  Working with partners including Thames21 on volunteer foreshore clean ups, we expect these types of activity to continue and grow, resulting in a progressively cleaner environment.

The improving health of the Natural Thames will result from close partnership working and application of new technologies, providing benefits across resilience, access and inclusion.