It was the 10th annual London Rivers Week this week! Taking place from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May 2026, this year's theme. 'know your local river' , encourages Londoners to find, explore and connect with the rivers, canals and waterways closest to them.
What is London Rivers week?
Thames21 launched London Rivers Week 10 years ago as a city-wide campaign celebrating the capital's waterways and inspiring communities to protect and restore them. Working across the Thames Basin, Thames21 supports river restoration, clean-ups and environmental education projects with local communities and partners.
The initiative began as a way to inspire the public and raise awareness of rivers and tributaries in and around the capital but has now grown into an annual celebration of the city's rivers and blue spaces. The campaign particularly focuses on keeping waterways healthy for wildlife, climate resilience and local communities.
How can you get to 'know your local river'?
While many of Central London's rivers and canals are iconic and instantly recognisable, there are countless hidden waterways, tributaries and blue spaces in neighbourhoods across the capital that you may not realise are nearby. Getting to know your local river can be as simple as taking a walk along the river paths, learning about the wildlife it supports and understanding how rivers shape our city.
There are plenty of tools and resources available that you can use to locate, explore and get the most out of your local rivers:
There are also a range of activities and events taking place throughout London Rivers Week from educational workshops to community events. Check out the Thames21 page for more information.
Barnet Residential SuDS Planters
Located on the silk stream catchment
Nearest river: River Brent
The importance of SuDS in protecting London's rivers
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) play an important role in supporting London's 'sponge city' approach to climate resilience. Features such as rain gardens, SuDS planters and permeable surfaces help slow and filter rainwater before it enters rivers and drainage systems, improving water quality and reducing flood risk. help London's 'sponge city' approach to making our streets more flood and climate resilient.
We've worked with local authorities across London to deliver SuDS infrastructure projects that benefit both communities and our local waterways. As this year's London Rivers Week theme encourages people to 'know your local river', it's also an opportunity to recognise how SuDS are helping to keep London's rivers cleaner, healthier and more resilient for the future.
SuDS Rain Gardens along Romford Road
