top of page

The Full Story

River Guardian Network

Friends of the Thames, in collaboration with FoTT's very own River Director, environmental barrister, rights of nature campaigner, and Guardian of the River Roding, Paul Powlesland (Lawyers for Nature), is proud to announce the launch of River Guardians Network — a pioneering project aimed at protecting, monitoring, and restoring the entire Thames river system. FoTT River Guardians Network builds on the amazing work of existing guardians and groups, expanding across the Thames catchment to fill in the gaps where protection is most needed. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every stretch of the Thames and its tributaries has a dedicated guardian — an individual or community group — watching over it.This network of River Guardians will observe, report, and advocate for the health of the river, helping to create a coordinated, citizen-led movement for cleaner, safer waters.

IMG_5510.jpeg

Mission

Our First River Guardian Event 

Across the world, existing environmental laws have proven insufficient to halt the degradation of ecosystems. Designed largely to regulate exploitation rather than protect life, these laws treat nature as property—an object to be used—rather than as a living community with its own rights. This failing system demands a radical rethinking: an attitudinal shift where nature itself is recognized as a rights-bearing entity.​​

PHOTO-2025-05-22-17-10-19.jpg

Community Action Creates Lasting Change

Tower Bridge Wave_friends of the thames_hkt.jpg

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Connecting communities from source to sea

Friends of the Thames is A Charity CIO registered in England & Wales No: 1212696
Registered address: 6, Heathfield Avenue, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4ED.

  • Friends of The Thames: instagram
  • Friends of The Thames: facebook
  • Friends of The Thames: blue sky
  • Friends of The Thames: X
  • Friends of The Thames: LinkedIn
bottom of page