The Wandle Trust is part of the South East Rivers Trust, an environmental charity which aims to deliver healthy river ecosystems (for all) across the south east of England.

We started out on the River Wandle – a much loved chalkstream in south London. We hold community river cleanups on the second Sunday of every month, up and down this unique urban chalkstream – pulling out everything from shopping trolleys to shotguns, and improving the environment for birds, fish, insects and local people.

Here’s how we aim to achieve our aspirations for the Wandle, over the next 5 years and beyond:

• Education: across the Wandle catchment, show children and adults the value of a healthy river, what it looks like, and how to achieve it
• Engagement: across the Wandle catchment, involve and communicate with local people, to generate empowerment, ownership and sustainable community stewardship for the River Wandle
• Ecosystem improvement: enhance and maximise the River Wandle’s habitats, biodiversity and ecological sustainability
• Partnership and facilitation: form strong, sustainable partnerships with other strategic organisations concerned with the health of the River Wandle, and facilitate the achievement of our common goals

Our aims are for the Wandle to achieve Good Ecological Potential (in line with the aims of the Water Framework Directive), with a view to later attaining Good Ecological Status; and for the Wandle catchment to set international standards for urban community-driven sustainability and environmental excellence in river rehabilitation and restoration.

Naturally, we’re extremely grateful to everyone who shares our ambitions for the River Wandle, and helps us in any way to achieve these goals!

Click here to find out about the different ways you can support us.