London Rivers Week 2026 Photography Competition - Thames21 To mark London Rivers Week 2026, Thames21 is launching a photography competition celebrating the vital role that rivers play in the life of our city....

More details to enter can be found by clicking link here: www.thames21.org.uk/2026/03/lond... #londonriversweek2026 #londonriversweek

We're proud to see our work in Hillingdon highlighted during #LondonRiversWeek 💧

A shallow river flows into a much larger one.

A river flows past many knobbly roots coming down to its water.

A thin brook flows through a deep cut in the earth, trees on either side. Brickwork is visible at the bottom end of the photo.

On a grassy area, a thin brook flows from a redbrick opening through a deep cut in the earth, trees on either side.

A last share for #LondonRiversWeek - a thread concentrating on one of the first non-Thames #rivers I walked (influenced by the books of @benaaronovitch.bsky.social I'll admit 😆)
Beverley Brook.
From mouth, to source, the river flows
#NaturePhotography #photography #London

I'll add more to this as I find and walk more of the #RiversOfLondon - there'll always be another view to see, another walk to take.
Why not go out and see the rivers for yourself - they're very welcoming! (35/35)

#LondonRiversWeek

But remember - our #rivers are under threat, and that means we are too. It's what we drink, the water that surrounds us. And #walking by #water has been shown to be good for your health - so look after your local river, and it'll look after you! (34/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

Seen at night, a sculpture-fountain of a dolphin and a boy swimming with it is illuminated by a light-sculpture of a boat. Behind is Tower Bridge, the river Thames, and the lights of London.

Albert Bridge over the river Thames, seen at night brightly illuminated by its lighting.

View of the Thames Path through London, ornate green lamposts along its side, and a round area with seating and greenery below it extending out into the river.

View along the Thames Path, long stretch with the river a narrow view on one side, wide path with a large anchor lying on it, and a park on the other side.

And the beauty of the #Thames is there's always something new to see along well known parts of it - be that the interaction of lighting and art, the new #Effra Island from #ThamesTideway or even just catching a different view along a familiar stretch (33/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #photography #London

An improvised swing of a rope and a stick hangs from a riveted metal bridge over a wide river. There's lush greenery on either side of the bridge.

A painting of a red dragon, and a white peace sign is on the wall of a bridge by a river.

A concrete pillbox sits in a garden by a riverbank, it's painted white with an image of three soldiers arm in arm, red poppies, and a RAF plane on it. The garden has steps down to a boat, which is called "Watts Up Dock"

An ornate marker stone with a crest stands by a sea wall, in front of a wide river or estuary (the other side visible far away), with a blue sky in the background. The text reads: "The eastern boundary of the juristdiction of the company of Watermen & Lightermen of the River Thames under the act of 22 & 23 VIC C 133 Erected 1861 Thomas White Master Replaced 1982 Charles Peter Braithwaite Master." Crest is two seahorses either side of a coat of arms.

And indeed, since I first wrote this I've added two more rivers, and walked the @thamespathnt.bsky.social out to #Oxford inland and Allhallows along the coast – seeing echoes of both #adventures and #history along the way. (32/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #photography #StreetArt

A roadway is postered with people's faces against a polkadot bakground. at the far side there are people looking over railings at it, and beyond that another railing and a river.

Two women wearing yellow are standing in water, one pours a bottle of wine into the water, the other points as she does so. Both are wearing wellington boots.

A man plays the saxaphone next to a railing at night.

A large G&T glace has ice, water and the remains of fruit in it. It sits on the edge of paving next to water, a boat is visible in the distance.

But really, it's about the #people. #Rivers are important because we make them important. They're full of #history because we've been by them so long. And the #RiverThames is full of both, and full of joy to be gained from for both (30/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #London #photography

View of a bridge with the sun behind it. Two figures are silhoutted on the bridge. The sunlight reflects strongly off the river below.

An ornate boat is lit up along its hull and oars, it flies many flags above it. It's approaching Westmnster bridge, which is full of people visible in the streetlights.

Part of the Thames barrier (it is open) with Canary Wharf in the background, and a bright sky behind.

A corridor lined with brick and with orangey red lighting has a pillar with an old metal girder style eleent in its centre.

And, of course, the #Thames. Glide gently thus, forever glide O Thames. Or at least stay gentle until I've reached the Source and the #IsleOfGrain. The accessibility of the #ThamesPath in most places is such a joy, and new parts opening too. (29/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #London #photography

View down a riverbank to a thin stream. Reinforcing material on the riverbank has been secured by what appears to be golf clubs being stuck into it - both handles and clubs are seen sticking out of it.

A stream is surrounded on both sides by undergrowth and trees with white flowers.

A red fox looks at the camera, standing in front of a clear area of grass, with undergrowth or a hedge behind it.

A red fox looks at the camera,standing in a lower area behind a wooden viewing area. The area around it is covered in fallen blossoms.

Another new visit, the 2 branches of #PylBrook are the tributary of #BeverleyBrook
A wonderful #walk all their own – broken #golf clubs holding the bank together at one point, other stretches bursting with #flowers, and #foxes popping out to say hello all over the place. (28/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

On the side of a river, a raised hollow has tufts and darker areas that give the impression of a face of dark earth and a hand of curling leaves. Below it there is a small area of mud and sticks. Behind there is a wide variety of undergrowth.

A small brook runs between bushes and undergrowth, the plants reflect in it so brightly it's not clear where the reflection begins.

Bright sunlight reflects in a pond, in the same place as a bare-branched plant is growing out in several directions.

View at a slight angle along a river running under a bridge and the concrete path next to it. The tunnel, its tiling, and the greenery beyond it all reflect very clearly in the still water.

More recently, I've visited #YeadingBrook - the Crane becomes it rather suddenly near #Southall. The new brook is an intensely interesting locale. There's the #anthropomorphic riverbank of Gutteridge Meadows, but also many places to #reflect upon the world (27/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography

In a tidal river with stone sides, a small amount of water trickles past shallow muddy banks with much higher tide-marks and several tied up and beached ships. A viaduct arches overhead with a DLR train visible on it.

A river with bare trees either side, brightly reflecting those trees and the sun above.

A mandarin duck paddles along in reflective water.

On an island in a lake, there are trees and a scupture of two women sitting on a railing, one whispering into the others ear.

And the #Ravensbourne, could be the RailsMoveBourne, for you criss-cross them so (but which river doesn't?) Starting as the wide, muddy #Deptford Creek, once you abandon tidality there's a wonderful route to #Lewisham, #Brockley and beyond, full of life and joy. (26/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

Ducks surround a log or other natural object in a lake. There's greenery on both sides.

Water flows past a tree which has an upside-down 'T' shape, its roots following the water in each direction. There are other trees behind, and the ground is covered in fallen leaves.

In a forest, mostly bare trees stand, and a natural ditch with a trickle of water flows from a double-tree trunk

But what's a source? Hydrologists have a rule, for most it's name/history. Ching's source is sometimes called Connaught Water, yet Cuckoo Brook flows longer into that.
And that water flowing from a tree trunk? It flows in the same line further on… 🤔
A source is a name (25/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

A stream through a forest, the trees reflected in its water.

Water cascades down over roots of a tree - the tree appears to have the trunk on one side, the roots spreading into the over. The water widens into a pool afterwards.

Past grass and part of a tree trunk, a river is visible flowing past, leaves floating along it.

A wide area in a forest with leaf-bare trees and ground covered in them has a natural ditch with a small amount of water leading to a large trunk growing out diagonally.

River Ching - the way through the #woods. Most of London's rivers are a thread of #nature through buildings, you get to go through the spread beauty of #EppingForest - all the way to a spring in some roots (24/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #NaturePhotography

A copper-green metal arch bridge links red-brick roadway over a river, it's all reflected strongly into the rippling water.

An old and heavily wrecked and broken boat sits askew in water, with splintered plankiing, green plants growing out of it, and other damage. Undamaged boats are tied to the wall further back.

A flock of seaguls taking off over a thin river by a wide muddy area strewn with planking, and tyres. There is greenery further off.

View of a concrete flood barrier and the associated buildings to either side. The barrier is raised.

Roding - you're fairly far out, but your banks are steeped in #history - sometimes literally (23/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography

Water is at two levels, split by a metal barrier. Above this is a set of stairs in a rusted red, two people are walking down.

An egret walks through shallow water.

Water runs in a channel between viaduct arches - the view is then arches within arches stretching onwards.

Water runs through a channel towards green space, under a tall arched viaduct.

More than just a branded beverage, Pymmes brook is a gateway to a host of #natural spaces in north London until it runs into the Lea near #Tottenham. I found it it vaguely walking #PicadillyLine, but well worth its own walks! (22/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #NaturePhotography #egret

A thin stream surrounded with leafless trees reflects near-setting sunlight reflecting into it.

Bonesgate Stream - I've seen naught but your #confluence with the Hogsmill, but your #creepy name (and your sunset appearance too!) entices me to return and find more.
I did so… AND THE PHOTOS DISAPPEARED?!? 😨
Will just have to try again! (21/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

A chair sits on a concrete surface over a river, behind it is a grassy area.

A long branch reaches from a riverbank into the water. There's a visible ripple at its tip.

Steps lead down to a river which is reflecting a cloudy sky. In the rover there are circular stepping stones across to steps up on the other side.

A river flows under a road-bridge, and through/past a large number of rocks. There's undergrowth on either side.

Hogsmill - I walked to your source from Beverley's easily, yet she ends at #Putney and you in #Kingston. Your still waters run deep (20/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #NaturePhotography

Bridge over a river, with trees on both sides.

River with many reeds on one side, and trees on both sides

Small white petaled flowers with a yellow centre are growing out of something in the water.

View of a river running through fields with an electricity pylon to one side. The view is partially blocked by slightly blurred cabling.

The Gade I ran into in #Watford, when leaving the #GrandUnionCanal after a long walk. Full of #bridges and bends and #trees and running through parks, it looks like a place for grand #adventures! (19/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #NaturePhotography

Wide pool with reeds at the edges, benches around it, and cars driving past the other side.

Swan with water dripping from its beak. The water around it is gold with reflected sunset.

Water coming to a drop, and then continuing on as a stream below There's a small bridge over the stream, and many plants either side.

Looking down at a fake crocodile on a set of rocks, with plants around it and water flowing past.

The Westbourne - less well known, 'cause your name's obvious (west river) but still impressive. Rising at one of London's highest points, you once gave golden water to the royal #swans of #HydePark. And I've seen… stranger things in the waters of #Marylebone (16/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #photography

Pavement area with a long line illustrating the path of the new river. States 'New River, Opened 1613', and has locations Hertford, Broxborne, Enfield, Harringay, Stoke Newington and Islington listed along the river's path.

A river with a wider area of water beyond it, greenery on both sides.

A teddy bear is attached to a fence with an umbrella above it. In front of it is a short area of grass, then water with wooden boards at the edge. Behind it is a back garden.

A long waterway, with a wide grass path beside it. Sun shines visibly down from above.

The #NewRiver! It's not new, it's not a river 😂 But this Shakespearean era #aqueduct brought us clean #water then, and still helps now. And it's a waterway you can #walk from #Islington to #Hertford (15/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #photography #history

A large bell marked 'I am rung by the tides' with a tree behind.

An egret stands in a river, its beak stabbing into the the water. It is reflected by the still water.

A wide river leading towards a water wheel and weir, next to an old stone building.

Leafless trees beside a river. One has branches stretching down to the other bank of the river and then up again, the sun is visible through the branches of this one.

#Wandle, I wandered your lovely (well maintained!) trail, and it was the best bar the #ThamesPath itself! Both the joy of #nature left to do its thing, and all the art along your banks from #Merton. #Wandsworth to #Croydon - you take your time, but there's so much to see! (14/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

River Cray - like the Darent, I know it from the route back to the #Thames, but also from names that stick in the mind - like #CrayfordNess and its #horses
I'll see you one day, St Mary Cray (13/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography

A wide river has a smaller one flowing into it, with a sandbank stretching to one side. On the other side of the large river are houses.

A river winding between shallow muddy banks, passing through a large flood defence barrier (raised) and onwards.

Looking down into a river, with trees by its side. The trees are mostly leafless, but there are many leaves on the ground.

A thin river flows from one side of the photo to the other, in the distance a flock of sheep are mostly sitting, with trees behind them.

Darent - I know you mostly from the @thamespathnt.bsky.social / #EnglandCoastPath route that goes up and down to get back to the #Thames and under the #M25, and a brief sighting at a friend's wedding. But what I've seen is wonderful, and you've your own path, so I'll return (12/35)
#LondonRiversWeek

A wide river has an area partially enclosed with logs and bushes. That area, and the river all around is full of plantlife.

A wooden pathway raised above grass, next to a river. There are trees and other plants all around.

A heron stands on a railing in the rain, looking down towards a 'Danger Weir' sign.

A small waterfall, the water flowing fast and smoothly.

The River Crane - defining boundaries of #Twickenham, and wrapping around #Heathrow, you're used to big noise and loud suits. Yet you're also a beautiful thread of #nature through all this, refreshing and uplifting (11/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #NaturePhotography #heron

A wide river with much plant life growing in and around it.

Water plants flow with the pull of the stream. Trees are reflected on the water from above.

A statue of three figures leaping for a ball in an area with cicular steps down to water, and greenery around.

A river, surrounded by plants and trees, with a block of flats on the left side, flows away and then curves around out of sight.

I've yet to properly explore the Colne, beyond the intertwining with the #GrandUnionCanal, but like the Lea, the scale and tributaries of it look to make it more a… geography than just a #river. (They're never 'just' a river 😉 10/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #NaturePhotography

A long muddy creek with raised platforms and balconies on both sides, most of them old warehouses turned into housing.

A building with a sign that reeds "Neckinger Mills"

A paved area between buildings has a path of bricks lighter than the rest that snake side to side, giving the impression of a small stream.

Lit from below, a sign next to a window says "Brook Drive" with "Borough of Lambeth" smaller above that

Neckinger - central, yet hardly seen, another #hiddenRiver. Many will have seen the inlet you came out of, but few will realise the #streets who you shaped or named, and other patterns of the world you set (9/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography #history

Across a river, behind fences are a number of gasholder frames.

A very large turquoise egg sits on grass, behind it stretches a wide river, and many buildings, and construction cranes.

A swan has risen partially from the water, as if standing, and its two wings are stretched forwards, feathers unfurled.

Against an orangey sunset, beyond a wide area of water, is a number of large lit up buildings, two tall pylons, and many lower lights.

Lea - who stretches far beyond #London, and brings it much water. Lea, where great eggs grow, to hatch #swans who will conduct the wind and the rain. Lea, where the #past and the #future meets. (8/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography

A red brick archway has set into it a stone plaque reading "For the good of the public this fountain is erected near the site of an ancient conduit known as the shepherd's well"

A cobbled (setts) street has an area a few bricks down the length of it that has clearly been disturbed seperately to the rest.

A tarmacked roadway has a darker area through it where more recent work has been done. Either side of it are white lines and next to them question marks.

A wide area of water passing by an archway below a house, which has stairs down towards the water.

#Tyburn - another #hiddenRiver, not as wide as the Fleet, but as full with history. From the Shepherd's well, to several exits into the #Thames, you leave your mark on #London's streets (and confuse diggers!) (7/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography

A thin trickle of water flows under a gate, by a fence.

A large open area of water, with grassy areas and trees around it. People are sitting on the far side.

A thin alleyway, the paving stones have been covered so that what is left resembles a river, and the stones are wet, reflecting the stretlights above.

A wide street with tall buildings, cars and busses stopped at traffic lights, construction work in progress.

#Fleet, Fleet, the #river beneath your feet. Many trickles across #Hampstead give you no determinate source, but several big lakes. Then underground #Bazalgette sent you - but you carved your route through #London long ago, and the land remembers. (6/35)
#LondonRiversWeek #Photography