Port of London Authority and partners launch Clean Thames Plan

L to R: Allison Ogden-Newton OBE (Keep Britain Tidy), Fazilette Khan (GreenSeas Trust), Alex Robinson (Hubbub), Paul Hyman (Active360/ In the Drink), Dame Jackie Doyle-Price MP (UK Parliament/ MP for Thurrock), Grace Rawnsley (PLA), Alex McGoran (CEFAS), Chris Coode (Thames21), Rachel Dulai (British Rowing), Alison Debney (ZSL), Robin Mortimer (PLA), Emily McLean (PLA).

Supporting quotes

Active360

“I’m pleased to support this plan as it sets out the work underway to make our river cleaner - and how it will be progressed. The Thames is an immensely important resource for Londoners as well as being the foundation on which the city was built.

“Pollution of all types devalues and degrades the river. We must keep making progress on cleaning it up and keeping it clean. This needs a broad partnership of scientists, official bodies, river users, activist groups and charities all working together.

“I have for many years enjoyed introducing people to the river as water sports participants and making them aware of its value on many levels and ways they can help to protect it. A cleaner river will encourage more people to use it, value it and protect it. I’m currently progressing this through Active360 and In The Drink and I’m pleased that both organisations are part of this Plan.”

Paul Hyman, Founder and Director, Active360 and In the Drink

British Plastics Federation

“The British Plastics Federation is pleased to continue supporting this project. Understanding the behaviour behind littering is essential as we move towards a circular economy, as no material should ultimately end up in the Thames or anywhere else in the natural environment.”

Lara Steinhobel, Sustainability Issues Executive, British Plastics Federation

British Rowing

"At British Rowing we welcome the PLA's Clean Thames Plan and look forward to working together to help create a clean and flourishing environment for our rowers and indeed everyone to enjoy every day."

Alastair Marks, CEO, British Rowing

Bywaters

“We're delighted to support the Clean Thames Plan due to their exceptional efforts in eradicating litter and pollution from the Thames. This partnership synergises with our own commitment to environmental preservation, as we jointly strive to create positive impacts and foster dynamic discussions in forums aimed at generating sustainable solutions.”

Rory Capper, Head of Sustainability and Innovation, Bywaters

DP World

“DP World is determined to play a leading role in the journey to net zero. We have a proven track record of collaboration with the PLA on clean water, such as the Passive Debris Collector on the Thames, so continuing our partnership via the Clean Thames Plan is the right move for our own and our customer’s sustainability ambitions.”

Helen Gray, Strategic Engagement and Marketing Manager at DP World

Gravesham Borough Council

“Gravesham and more specifically our towns of Gravesend and Northfleet and the nature filled open spaces of the North Kent marshes, have been intrinsically tied to the Thames throughout their history.

“The river is the lifeblood of the north of our borough; a constant in the life of local people whether it has been for work, play, pleasure, or leisure.

“We are proud of our place on a great waterway whose name is known worldwide, that is still an important trading route, and which has brought generations of visitors to our borough.

“For all of these reasons, we are fully supportive of our friends and partners at the PLA and this important strategy to ensure the Thames is a clean, welcoming and safe place for all.

“We will work to support them in meeting the objectives of the Clean Thames Strategy throughout its life, and beyond.”

Cllr Emma Morley, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Gravesham Borough Council

GreenSeas Trust

"All rivers lead to the sea. At GreenSeas Trust we educate people with the BinForGreenSeas. While a recycling bin for PET plastics, it also acts as a visual educational tool. The three bins currently along the Thames collects between 3000-8000 PET bottles per month. We believe, working together to reduce pollution is key, which is why being a partner of the Clean Thames Plan is important to us."

Fazilette Khan, Founder Trustee, GreenSeas Trust

Hubbub

“At Hubbub, we’re delighted to support the Clean Thames Plan. It’s part for our commitment to collaboration in solving crucial environmental issues. We’ve worked to raise awareness of the importance of our rivers for several years, and to inspire people to take action to support clean, healthy waterways. The PLA’s Clean Thames Plan has a crucial role to play in the future of the river that flows through our city.”

Alex Robinson, CEO, Hubbub

Royal Holloway University of London

“Our work on plastic pollution and wet wipes in the Thames has highlighted the significant issues to be addressed to improve the river’s environment for all, including wildlife.”

“The plan provides an ambitious framework for tackling key priority areas through an integrated approach with strong partnerships. From engaging the public and schoolchildren, through generating first-class research to completion of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, the Thames should improve greatly by 2030.”

Professor Dave Morritt, from the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway University of London

Thames Estuary Partnership

“Estuaries are unsung heroes, vitally important for people and wildlife in so many ways. Our small, but integral local patch of ocean, the Thames, takes in pollution from our land and rivers which contributes to the global ocean challenge. We all have a part to play to ensure our mighty estuary is as healthy as it can be if it is to continue supporting our health, livelihoods and the diverse wildlife we share it with. This plan is the roadmap that can lead the way and we fully support the PLA and the Clean Thames partners in the great work they are doing to achieve a clearer future for communities and nature around the Thames.”

Amy Pryor, Technical Director, & Jesse Seaward, Head of Communications, Thames Estuary Partnership

Thames21

“Water quality and the health of rivers must improve. The main sources of pollution are agriculture and the water industry, plus a growing threat from plastics and forever chemicals. We all need to up our game to improve the health of our rivers.

“So, we are delighted to support the Clean Thames Plan and be involved with the partnership, as we realise that strong collaboration with key river stakeholders is the key to achieving transformative change at the scale and ambition that is required to meet our aims of improving the River Thames and its tributaries.

“The River Thames is the lifeblood of London. It’s an amazing natural environment to be celebrated, enjoyed and protected. We ultimately need everybody to commit to help to work hard for a clean River Thames for people and for wildlife.”

Chris Coode, Chief Executive, Thames21

Zoological Society of London

“Whilst we have seen significant progress in water quality through investment in infrastructure, there continues to be adverse pressures on the health of wildlife in the Thames including from impact of chemicals and the rising tide of plastics. The Clean Thames Action Plan will help us collectively tackle these threats so that we can achieve the shared ambition of the river’s water quality be consistently good enough to reach its wildlife potential and be safely enjoyed by people.”

Alison Debney, Conservation Lead, Wetland Ecosystem Restoration, ZSL