Rivers Week promotes value of London’s waterways in flood protection

The urgent need to create better drainage in London was highlighted in two CPRE London Rivers Week events in June.

London Rivers Week is a week-long annual campaign inspiring the public to celebrate all of London’s rivers. This year’s event took the theme of ‘London is a river city’, with a focus on health, well-being, and cultural activities.

CPRE London supports the week, and held two flagship events on a theme of building sustainability through rain gardens, soakaways, and turning London into a ‘sponge city’.

Inclusive cycle ride

Dozens of cyclists joined an inclusive nature cycle round Herne Hill in south London at the end of June to learn more about sustainable urban drainage sites and the urgent need for more rain gardens. These features absorb excess road run off and protect water quality in London’s rivers.

This event was open to everyone, especially those who find it easier to cycle than walk! It was held in partnership with Wheels for Wellbeing, a charity who work with thousands of people who face barriers to taking part in physical activity.

Sponge City workshop

Equally well-attended was an on- and off-line workshop on making London a sponge city. Attendees heard there is an urgent need to increase London’s resilience to climate change by creating major new wetland areas and an estimated 357,000 new rain gardens.

As standard, any roadworks should require a needs assessment for rain-gardens, and where needed – delivery! This is the most cost effective way to accelerate rain garden creation. Rain gardens are also a wonderful way to green our streets and can include trees, helping with urban cooling. Rain gardens can also help with making our streets greener and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists.

London Rivers Week involves many free walks, talks, river clean-ups and open webinars. If you missed out this time, look out for even more in London Rivers Week 2025.