Stretching across 215 miles (or 346 km) within southern England, the River Thames takes first place as the longest river in England as well-being second-longest river in the whole of the UK. The Thames Head, located in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, is the starting point for this well-known river (supposedly, since the actual source does not have a fixed location) and its end point is the North Sea near Essex and Kent, via the Thames Estuary. However, before flowing into the North Sea it weaves its way west through places such as Oxford, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Slough & Windsor and of course the whole of Greater London.

The Thames and its tributaries (according to the Thames River Trust Website) ‘have many important floodplains and are home to a wide variety of wildlife. They are our water supply and a beautiful part of our landscape to enjoy. The many chalk streams that contribute to the Thames are rich with iconic species of native wildlife including swans, geese, and ducks, otter, kingfisher, and water vole’. During the pandemic, these habitats and habitants were able to thrive without the constant river traffic of narrowboats and ferries. The water itself massively improved biologically (however it was still that iconic Eastenders murky brown colour). Since people were staying at home due to the national lockdown, the ecosystem of the muddy river became much cleaner due to the significant decrease in traces of certain pollutants. 

Once lockdown was over and normality resumed, the boating community, paddleboarders, cold water swimmers and rowers were able to continue on with their hobbies. One of the most notable places were the Thames is used is The Henley Royal Regatta and the University boat race. The Regatta brings home the local crowd and a multitude from elsewhere, whether they be supporting their local rowing club or just enjoying the atmosphere down by the river which boosts the town’s local economy. The River Thames can host huge events like this but is also a great place for college students like me to sit, relax and the enjoy the views (perhaps with an ice cream in the summer). The Thames will always be an iconic river, a beautiful stretch of water that both humans and wildlife (especially swans, geese, and ducks) can enjoy!