UK Rivers in Crisis

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UK rivers are in crisis. Mismanagement by water companies and a lack of investment in infrastructure means that many of our waterways are used as sewage overflows. The River Wandle has been hailed as an ecological success story, rescued from its fate as a “dead” river in the 1960s by a grassroots campaign that sought co-operation from all stakeholders in the river catchment. But Thames Water’s treatment of the Wandle as a convenient drain threatens all that hard work. 

In February 2025, the Wandle was affected by a spillage of over 4000 litres of diesel. The effects of this devastating pollution event may not be fully known for years. 

I work with organisations like South East Rivers Trust, Earthwatch Europe, Friends of the Thames and other local organisations to monitor pollution levels in the river, remove litter and give a voice to these precious ecosystems and entities.