"The river and the air have grown cleaner whether we like it or not, and since there seems to be little we can do about it we had better settle for liking it" (Norman Shrapnel, 1977. A View of the Thames)

1.    Aims

To conserve and enhance the wildlife habitats, species diversity and local distinctiveness of the Tidal Thames.

	To adopt a strategic approach to deliver biodiversity targets for the Tidal Thames as a whole.
	To promote public awareness and appreciation of the Tidal Thames.

2.    Introduction

In recognition of the full extent of the Tidal Thames habitat a Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan is being prepared across London, Essex and Kent. This document provides the London component of the wider Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan to guide the work of the London Biodiversity Partnership. This plan covers the Tidal Thames between Hampton in the west and the confluence with the River Darent at Crayford in the east. The short stretch between Teddington Lock and Hampton is not actually tidal but is included in this plan to ensure the entire length of the Thames in London is considered.

The Tidal Thames forms a partially enclosed area of water and tidal shore which receives saline water from the North Sea and fresh water from the River Thames together with its numerous tributaries and land run-off.

The Thames has been traditionally and fondly known as ŒLondonÃs Riverà or ŒOld Father ThamesÃ, a landscape of inspiration central to the growth and well-being of the city. It cannot claim to be the longest, largest or most wildlife-rich river in the country, but it is the best known. People have lived along its banks for thousands of years, and it is where the city of London developed. Today, over a fifth of the countryÃs population live within a few miles of it, and each day many thousands pass over, along and under it. The Thames is a transport route, a drain, a view, a site for redevelopment and, ever increasingly, a playground, classroom and wildlife corridor. Its habitats and species form an integral part of LondonÃs identity and development, contributing to cultural symbols and activities such as the view from Richmond Hill, paddling on the foreshore at Tower Beach, jellied eels and whitebait suppers.

The Tidal Thames of today is an example of a recovering ecosystem which is of great ecological importance not only to London, Kent and Essex but also to life in the North Sea and the upstream catchments of the upper Thames.

This London section of the wider Tidal Thames Habitat Action Plan covers the complex mosaic of habitats in the river Thames, together with its tributaries up to their tidal limits. It includes all habitats within the tidal transition, from open water to foreshore and the associated terrestrial habitats. However, the plan does not cover habitats that will be dealt with in other Action Plans, such as adjacent areas of open water, coastal grazing marsh, reedbed or wasteland. Nonetheless it acknowledges the importance of these habitats to species which utilise the main river, for example as high tide roost sites or nesting habitat for birds.

Contact

The Lead for this habitat is the Thames Estuary Partnership.

Thames © Environment Agency

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