New coalition awarded $5 million to turn the tide on the Thames - Zoological Society of London
One of the world's most famous waterways is about to get a huge transformation - as part of a multi-million dollar project.
Coastal habitats along the Greater Thames Estuary, the life source of England's capital and far beyond, will be restored as part of the $5 million project, providing vital spaces for wildlife and healthier environments for people.
Transforming the Thames
Led by our team of conservationists, the new Transforming the Thames collaboration brings together conservationists, local communities, government bodies and landowners – including from RSPB, Essex and Kent Wildlife Trusts, The Environment Agency and Essex and Kent County Councils - with the combined goal of reviving the Greater Thames Estuary, supporting both the wildlife that calls it home and the 8 million people that will benefit from improved access to nature and better protection from the impacts of climate change.
The grant, awarded by the Endangered Landscape and Seascape Programme and worth almost £4 million, will enable the team to kick off the first four years of their pioneering mission to restore key habitats across the estuary, tackle the biggest threats destroying existing habitats, and empower others – from individuals to businesses - to scale up transformation across the region.
Anna Cucknell, ZSL’s UK Coastal Habitat Recovery Programme Manager said: “Spanning an impressive 250,000 hectares from Felixstowe in the north to Whitstable in the south, the Greater Thames Estuary marks where the River Thames meets the North Sea, and is one of Europe’s most important wetlands. This intricate tapestry of habitats provides a home and nursery grounds to an abundance of native wildlife, from Critically Endangered European eels and ‘superhero’ water filtering oysters, to much beloved species like porpoises, seahorses and lapwings.”
Posted On: 25/03/2025
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