ThamesWatch 2010 and The Urban Birder

The Urban Birder, David Lindo has shown great support and admiration for our ThamesWatch project for 5-11 year olds that aims to get them out and about exploring the Thames and experiencing the vast array of wildlife it has to offer.

Less and I met with David Lindo on the top of Tower 42 where he, along with the BTO, RSPB and London Wildlife Trust, are currently studying visible bird migration from the tallest point in London.

David Lindo told us, “The ThamesWatch project is such a great idea. It's a fantastic way to get children involved with nature. I wished ThamesWatch existed when I was a kid.”


On top of the highest point in London – Tower 42
(From left to right – Tim Webb of the RSPB, Jessica Worthington-Little of www.riverthames.co.uk  and David Lindo, The Urban Birder - picture Charlotte Ford)

So far Lindo and co. have spotted buzzards, peregrine falcons, sparrow hawks, red kites, oyster-catcher, cormorants and arctic tern from the highest point in London. Lindo explained they are expecting to see spring migrants coming in from the South, making April to May the perfect period for ThamesWatch 2010.

We are now in the third week of the ThamesWatch project, with many schools and clubs already out exploring the River Thames wildlife. The project runs until the 30th of May and there is still time to register your school or club.

(Picture by Charlotte Ford 2010)

The Thames Heritage Tapestry

 A schools arts project celebrating the River Thames

The Thames Heritage Tapestry involves primary, secondary and special schools along the River Thames. Each school designs and makes a one metre square of textural embroidery to create a tapestry to reflect how the Thames has shaped and influenced the local communities it runs through. The project is designed to support and enrich the national curriculum; it will broaden knowledge of the river and develop a deeper understanding of its significance. The end result will be a multifaceted portrait of the Thames from its source to the estuary through the eyes of the children who live along its banks.