ISSUE 4 NEWSLETTER WINTER 2016
The Thames Path Partnership includes a diverse range of organisaƟons and individuals who have an interest in the Thames Path NaƟonal Trail. In this issue we’re introducing the Thames Estuary Partnership, taking an estuary walk and having a look at a new App which can photograph GIS informaƟon. Thames Estuary Partnership News for all who enjoy the Thames Path
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Thames Estuary 1 Partnership
Thames Path 2 One of our key partners on the dal Thames through London is The Thames Overview Estuary Partnership (TEP). Overseen by Pat Fitzsimons, who is also the Deputy Chair of the Thames Path Partnership, TEP is a non‐campaigning organisa on Winter Walk 3 looking a er one of the world’s premier rivers, working towards a thriving, sustainable river for London and the South‐East. They connect people, ideas 4 Wildlife along and the Thames landscape to drive social, economic and environmental im‐ the Thames provement in the Thames Estuary. The only non‐campaigning organisa on looking a er one of the world’s iconic rivers, the Partnership provides a frame‐ New Mapping 6 work for sustainable management along the Thames Estuary. App TEP runs a programme of events highligh ng current issues in the estuary. If Volunteer Task 8 you become a member of TEP you will receive discounted access to these events as well as receiving a London Thames Pass. The pass gives you discount‐ Diary ed rates to fascina ng and more unusual a rac ons on or near the Thames. Volunteer 9 The London Pass includes ‐ Fuller’s Brewery Tas ng Tour, the largest Family Training Event run brewery on the Banks of the Thames in Hammersmith through to exploring Revetment on 10 Tilbury Fort which has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th the Thames century through to the Second World War. There are numerous interes ng sites to see as you wind your way along the Thames Path through London. Thames Estuary 11 With a strong network of over 4000 stakeholders, including the Corpora on of Path London, University College London, the Environment Agency, The Port of Lon‐ End notes 12 don Authority, Natural England, Thames Water and Essex County Council, The Thames Estuary Partnership work to achieve a flourishing living and working follow @n hames river for London.
For further informa on on the TEP visit: www.thamesestuarypartnership.org
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: thames.path@oxfordshire.gov.uk T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
PAGE 2
Created for the public to enjoy the beau ful landscape with its rich wildlife, flora and fauna, the 184mile long Thames Path Na onal Trail is unique. It is the only long distance path to fol‐ low a river for most of its length and it's the iconic River Thames which gives the Trail its char‐ acter and creates the countryside through which you walk. Star ng in the Cotswolds as a track across water meadows and fields beside the infant River Thames, the Trail passes through vil‐ Trail Overview Trail lages in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, on surfaced pavements through historic ci es …un l finally it passes through the capital, London, to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. The Thames Path provides a walk alongside the ‘liquid history’ of a wonderful River. The Thames Path Partnership is responsible for the management, development and promo‐ on of The Thames Path Na onal Trail to ensure a great trail experience for all. It involves a wide range of organisa ons and dedicated Trail volunteers help to maintain the route and keep it to a good standard for all who use it.
Plan your day visit or holiday to The Thames Path using our interac ve online map: www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thamespath. Why rush? Pace yourself to the meandering river ‐ if you like you can plan to walk the Trail a sec on at a me (there are 15 sec ons ranging from 9‐15 miles, see map above)—and take days, weeks or even years to complete it! The Thames Path Companion guide lists details of campsites, B&Bs, hotels, self‐catering co ages and inns around the area. Other useful contacts, such as taxis, hospitals, vets, are pro‐ vided as well as car park loca ons. It costs £4.95 and is available from our online shop: www.shop.na onaltrail.co.uk
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
ISSUE 4 A Winter Walk along the Thames PAGE 3 Walking the Trail
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/ Thames Path south bank (secƟon 4) route guide, reproduced by kind permission of Transport for London. © TfL. For further details of this walk, and more, please visit Thames Path ‐ Transport for London
PAGE 4 Wildlife along
Wildlife
Dunlin Shoveler
Shelduck CheepShot Charlesjsharp Charlesjsharp
The amazing meandering River Thames is a very important water fea‐ ture. While the majority of the sites of par cular importance for birds are outside Greater London, the river, its tributaries and adjacent waters and wetlands within Greater London also provide important habitats. The diverse habitats alongside the river bring an abundance of birdlife
, some of which use the river for migra on over the winter months. The ff Thames is par cularly important for migra ng birds in severe winters and cold spells, because it provides an area of ice‐free water. Many birds Harlequin Duck live in climates where the temperature never drops too low (as in Brit‐ Weston DeWol Charleston County School of the Arts ain), so they don’t have to worry about surviving extreme cold. Some avoid the cold of winter by migra ng to warmer climates ‐ i.e. the River Thames. They come to Britain through the winter to stock up on fat re‐ serves on our estuaries and mudflats before returning to their breeding grounds. The Thames Estuary has been in the top five interna onally important sites in the UK for the high number of waterbirds found there during winter or migra on.
If you live nearby or you are travelling from afar to take a trip to the Thames for a winter walk along the River, it is worth having your binocu‐ lars to hand as you never know what rare birds you might spot on this tranquil river.
Tu ed duck Some of the over wintering birds on the Thames include, Tu ed Duck, Charlesjsharp Dark‐bellied Brent goose, Avocet, Dunlin, European white‐fronted goose, Gadwall, Grey Plover, Knot, Redshank, Li le Grebe, Oyster catch‐ er, Pintail, Shelduck, Ringed Plover, Shoveler, and occasionally, Hen Har‐ rier. The Harlequin Duck, listed as endangered in Canada, is one of the many rare species currently overwintering on the Thames River. Main‐ taining and improving the health of the river is something we need to
take seriously in order for such species to survive.
The Tu ed duck is o en seen in winter on the Thames, numbers in‐ crease in the UK in winter because of birds moving to the UK from Ice‐
Buck Buck land and northern Europe. ff Avocets Je Avocet can migrate to the Thames Estuary and Marshes. Within the
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
the Thames PAGE 5 Wildlife
European white‐fronted goose Black‐tailed godwit Li le Grebe © Hans Hillewaert A Pingstone CheepShot
Thames Estuary, Avocet are largely restricted to the lower marine reaches of the river. The mudflats at Higham Bight and Mucking Flats are par cularly important for this species and small numbers also breed amongst the saline lagoons at Cliffe. Avocets feed on insects, crustaceans and occasionally small fish.
Black‐tailed godwits prefer muddy estuaries where they feed chiefly on inter dal in‐ vertebrates, with food located by sight and touch. A wide range of invertebrates is taken, including molluscs, ragworms, crustaceans and earthworms.
Dunlin feed principally in extensive muddy areas of estuaries on a wide range of inver‐ tebrate prey, including polychaete worms, gastropod snails, bivalves, crustaceans and occasionally small fish. They are the second most widespread wintering estuarine spe‐ cies in the UK, occurring throughout Britain and Ireland.
The European white‐fronted goose winters in Britain in na onally important num‐ bers. It breeds in western Siberia and winters in Western Europe, with about half the popula on in Britain. It overwinters in na onally important numbers on the Thames White‐fronted geese forage on farmland for grass, clover, grain and winter wheat.
Li le grebe chiefly overwinters on inland freshwater sites.
The Shelduck’s diet includes a variety of invertebrates but predominantly the snail Hydrobia. Breeding Shelduck are widely distributed within the dal Thames where suitable habitat occurs.
The Shoveler winters in Britain on shallow freshwater areas with plen ful marginal reeds or emergent vegeta on. The Thames Estuary is an important area for this spe‐ cies with an average of 300 birds wintering annually.
So as you walk along the Thames Path, even if you don’t see a rare breed you may well see a flash of blue from one of our residents…the fabulous Kingfisher.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
PAGE 6 Using an App ...
We have a team of volunteers who report on the Trail on a regular basis. In the last issue we looked at how our volunteer monitors’ reports help us to improve the Trail and how we depend on their photos and accurate loca on
Voluntering details—using grid references where possible—to map these issues effec vely. Na onal Trail Volunteer Mar n B. found an App which does both – so we asked him to tell us how it works.. It's not hard to imagine yourself strlling along It's not hard to imagine yourself strolling along Itthe is availableRidgeway's from or thethe PlayThames Store. path It usesenjoying the the Ridgeway or the Thames Path enjoying the inbuilt GPS receiver that most smartphones/ the scenery and taking a few photos to record scenery and taking a few photos to record the iPhones have. It takes one photo but stores two the day. If you’re a monitor or warden then day. If you’re a monitor or warden then you’re pictures. One of them is just the photo, but the likely to take photos to record 'areas of interest' otheryou’re contains likely to the take date, photos me to and record helpfully, 'areas the of such as a broken gate or overgrown vegeta on la interest'tude and such longitude. as a broken What gateit actually or overgrown displays or anything that may impede Na onal Trail us‐ canvegeta be con onfigurable or anything and is that able mayto show impede two forNa‐ ers. To enable you to accurately report it you mats at the same me, i.e. Decimal (51.760381, onal Trail users. To enable you to accurately will not only need a photo or two but also the ‐1.277131) and DMS (51o45’37” N, 1 o16’37” report it you will not only need a photo or two precise loca on of the issue so that appropriate W).
ac on can be taken. Unless you have an expen‐ The app is very easy to use and is also free. You sive camera that automa cally records the GPS may see some adverts but I have never found loca on you will need to either resort to an OS these intrusive and they don't appear on the map, get out a GPS device or have a good photos. Just allow the app enough me for the memory and excep onal descrip ve powers to GPS to find the signal before taking the first recall it later. If, like me, you have none of photo otherwise it approximates your loca on these, recording it in the wet or the cold or both using mast triangula on which is not accurate can be a li le challenging (and not a lot of fun). enough to pin down that damaged gate. There It may interest you to know there is a are op ons that allow other data to be record‐ smartphone app that can do all this for you. ed such as including a map but I found this too
I have an android phone but I believe there is small to be of any real use. By default, the something similar available for the iPhone. The photo file name is jpg and contains all the date/ name of the Android app is ‘GPS Map Camera’, me and loca on details which makes for quite the icon looks like this a long name.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL
...to Map New Trail Issues
Spot any problems on the Trail? Voluntering Uneven or muddy surface? Broken gate or sign? Overgrown path?
Note the loca on and take a photo—
Then please let us know!
Whether repor ng by phone or by email, please don’t forget to add a grid reference and a photo is also very useful!
Anyway, have a play with it and see if it meets your needs. Of course, there are a number of apps that claim to have similar results but I found this to be the best free app, at least for Android smartphones. However, if you have found a be er app then please share it. I'm quite happy to be proved wrong. Can you iden fy where this photo was taken? Mar n B.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL
Volunteer Task Diary
Practical work is carried out along The Thames Path and The Ridgeway to ensure walkers enjoy using it. Work is carried out by the National Trail Team, volunteers, local highway authorities, landowners and contractors. Volunteers are welcome to help maintain the Thames Path by joining the task team led by the National Trail Team. The location and
activities for the next 3 months are shown below. Please ensure that you book early as the practical tasks are popular. Locations for tasks may change and volunteer numbers can be limited due to type of task.
Volunteer to help with a task by contacting the National Trail Team. Book in advance and as soon as possible. Voluntering E: [email protected] T: 01865 810211
Task Locations for Ridgeway and Thames Path
5 9 6 10
12 3 17 Check the map 15 4 8 13 Whether 7 for a repor ng by 2 phone or by 1 11 task 16 email, please 14 location add a grid reference and near to a photo is also you. very useful! Task Dates December February 5th RW Upper Upham WC 1 January 6th TP Marlow WC 2 6th TP Li le Marlow WC 2 4th RW Cadsden WC 5 7th TP Chertsey G 14 9th TP Ashton Keynes WC ‐ CG 3 5th TP Chimney WC 6 8th RW Ashbury (Carparks) WC 15 12th TP Li le Marlow WC 2 9th RW TBC 9th TP Ashton Keynes R 3 13th RW Grimms Ditch WC 4 10th TP Maidenhead WC 7 13th TP Chertsey G 14 14th RW Cadsden WC 5 11th RW Bury Downs WC 8 14th RW Lodge Hill WC 10 16th TP Ashton Keynes WC ‐ CG 3 12th Eynsham ‐ WS 9 16th RW TBC KEY 16th RW Princes Risborough WC 20th RW Grimms Ditch WC 4 RW— The Ridgeway 10 21st TP Chimney WC 6 TP—Thames Path 17th TP Dorney Reach WC 11 22nd RW Smeathes Ridge WC 16 WC – winter clearance 18th RW Lodge Hill WC 10 23rd TP TBC CG – Corporate Group 23rd TP Castle Eaton WC 12 27th RW TBC R – Revetment 24th TP Eynsham ‐ WS 9 28th TP Benson WC 17 WS – Workshop 30th RW Streatley WC 13 G – Gate Thames Path Na onal Trail31st Office TP Signal Maidenhead Court, Old Sta WC on 7Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/ Thames Path National Trails Team Signal Court, Old Station Way, Eynsham, Oxford, OX29 4TL Phone: 01865 810224 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
PAGE 9
Training Event for Thames Path Volunteers Volunteering
Calling all trail monitors and task volunteers! We are planning a training event for volunteers who monitor and/or maintain the Thames Path.
It's not hard to imagine yourself strlling along the Ridgeway's or the Thames path enjoying the scenery and taking a few photos to record the day. If you’re a monitor or warden then you’re likely to take photos to record 'areas of interest' such as a broken gate or overgrown WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1st 2017 vegeta on or anything that may impede Na‐ Come along to discuss the ways of monitoring and repor ng onal Trail users. To enable you to accurately the condi on of the Thames Path. See what simple improvements (e.g. report it you will not only need a photo or two picking li er, pruning brambles) are done, or can be done by monitors/ wardens. We’ll go along the Thames Path, if weather permits, to see how the sugges ons fit what we observe. All Na onal Trail volunteers and Riv‐ er Thames Society river wardens are invited, and all others who are inter‐ ested in this important work. Lunch will be provided Venue: We plan to hold the event by the Thames Path near Eynsham (or possibly in Oxford, depending on availability of a mee ng room and pub).
Time: The event will be for 3‐4 hours.
Further details to follow. Please register your interest in a ending Email: [email protected] Call: 01865 810211
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
PAGE 10 Revetment Works in Progress - Oxford We thought you might be interested in seeing some of the larger works that are currently taking place along the Thames.
The photos show some revetment works in progress as the Thames passes through Oxford City. The river has eroded and undermined the trail along the south- ern sections of the Thames in Oxford, un- fortunately moving the trail away from its current location was not an option as the land sits lower than the trail and so drainage and flooding would have presented yet further issues for us. These sheet piling revetment works have been off set with some bio-engineering including pre-planted coir rolls of riparian vegetation which in time will allow the bank to vegetate and provide habitat as well as assisting with future potential erosion and flooding. These works have been on-going since the summer along numerous locations in Oxford, they have been overseen by Skanska and we negotiated with the Civil Engineering company to ensure that access would be kept open for the public during the very busy Thames summer season, whilst also ensuring public safety at all times.
Unfortunately such works need to take place when water levels are low and the ground is dry enough which generally means during the summer, this can mean long diversions when contractors are working along the Thames. We are pleased to report that disruption was kept to a minimum along the trail in Oxford throughout the summer.
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
PAGE 11 Thames Estuary Path Essex County Council have produced a fabulous estuary walk - the Thames Estuary Walking the Trail Path. Explore the 29 mile (46.6km) Thames Estuary Path through the fascinating South Essex Marsh- es, from Tilbury Town all the way to Leigh-on-Sea. Passing through an industrial and settled beautiful landscape with a wealth of Green Heritage - history and biodiversity. The South Essex Marshes are bordered to the north by settlement and the south by the shore of the Thames. It is a flat, low-lying landscape, dominated by creeks, marshes and mudflats. The path is easily accessible by train, linking 6 local train stations on one of the most attractive railway
lines in the country (London Fenchurch to Shoeburyness line). The path is clearly signed and way- marked along the length with a new distinctive logo. Download the TEP Mobile App and enjoy the path in 5 smaller tours starting and finishing at the local train stations. Delve into the history and biodiversityIt's not the hard marshlands to imagine have yourself to offer strlling and visit along the many attractions along the way. For further information visit Essex County Council http:// the Ridgeway's or the Thames path enjoying www.thamesestuarypath.co.uk/ the scenery and taking a few photos to record the day. If you’re a monitor or warden then you’re likely to take photos to record 'areas of interest' such as a broken gate or overgrown vegeta on or anything that may impede Na‐ onal Trail users. To enable you to accurately report it you will not only need a photo or two
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/
Related Websites:www.essex.gov.uk and http://parklands.greengrid.co.uk
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THAMES PATH
Buy this classic enamel pin badge to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this much loved Trail. Per‐ fect for your hat, your rucksack or your lapel, wear it to show your sup‐ port for the Na onal Trails.
LOVE THE TRAIL? Spring
Edition
We’d love to hear from you Get in touch to provide feedback and suggest ar cles for future A quality mug in a contemporary design lis ng newsle ers. memorable places along
the Trails. Deadline for Spring edi on If you've walked the Trail 6 Feb 2017 then it's a must!
Coverage Maps and guide books also for Mar—May 2017 sale, visit Thames Path website the Na onal Trails Shop
Thames Path Na onal Trail Office Signal Court, Old Sta on Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX29 4TL Informa on: [email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.na onaltrail.co.uk/thames‐path/