London Rivers Week kicks off today with events happening across the city including walks, talks, kayaking and even a film premiere.
There are 600km (372 miles) of waterways in the capital – that’s the same as the distance between Brighton and Edinburgh.
Rivers are a vital resource for wildlife and wellbeing, but waste and other pollution threaten the capital’s waterways.
Otters, trout, bats, kingfishers and eels all use London rivers – but increasingly they need the public’s help to survive and thrive, in the face of plastic pollution, sewage and the impacts of climate change.
Various organisations in London help address these issues, but rely on volunteers who love these spaces to help.
London Rivers Week will give people the opportunity to find out how they can help keep the city’s rivers protected and clean.
This year’s theme for London Rivers Week, which runs from Saturday June 23 to Sunday July 1, is Valuing Water. For a complete list of the free events taking place as part of London Rivers Week, check the Thames21 website.
Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief @rosamedea