About

Join us for a series of special riverside conservation workshops this autumn, helping to restore and protect a stretch of the Thames in Richmond while learning the traditional craft of willow spiling.

Hosted by the Thames Landscape Strategy, these hands-on sessions will take place on Tuesday 6 October, Tuesday 13 October and Tuesday 20 October, from 10am to 2pm, along Kew Towpath and meeting at Old Palace Lane, Richmond. The workshops offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain practical conservation skills while making a lasting contribution to the local environment.

Willow spiling is a centuries-old riverbank restoration technique that involves weaving live willow stems between wooden stakes to create a natural barrier along the river's edge. This living structure helps to reduce erosion, trap sediment, stabilise vulnerable banks and provide valuable habitat for birds, insects, fish and other wildlife. As the willow grows, it becomes an increasingly effective and attractive natural feature within the landscape.

Participants will work together to construct a new section of willow spiling along the Thames, learning about both the practical techniques involved and the wider role that nature-based solutions can play in creating healthier, more resilient rivers. The sessions will also explore the ecology, heritage and ongoing management of the Thames riverside landscape.

The workshops are suitable for anyone interested in conservation, traditional skills, local heritage or spending time outdoors. No previous experience is needed, and all tools, materials and guidance will be provided. Volunteers can attend a single session or join all three workshops to follow the project from start to finish.

The programme has been made possible through funding from the Thames21 Empower Rivers Fund, which supports community-led action to improve rivers, build local skills and encourage people to connect with and care for their waterways. By taking part, volunteers will help improve biodiversity, strengthen river resilience and support the long-term health of one of London's most important natural landscapes.

Places are free, but advance booking is required.

To find out more and reserve a place, visit the Thames Landscape Strategy Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/44415425753