Thames Anglers Conservancy members joined forces with the Environment Agency at the start of a habitat improvement scheme along a stretch the River Hogsmill in Surrey.  The Hogsmill is a tributary of the River Thames rising from a chalk spring in Ewell then flowing for over six miles through suburban Surrey before emptying into the Thames at Kingston.

Environment Agency Fisheries Officer Dave Bartlett explaining the project along with important Health and Safety rules.

The first stage of this work was to clear a 400m stretch of in-river and bankside rubbish and cut back areas of overhanging vegetation which has removed light from the river, stopping marginal plant growth.

Timing of the clearance was important as before the trees start to leaf and ahead of the nesting season. Any clean gravel spawning areas could be disturbed if left until the spring.

Like many urban watercourses, at times they are used as a dumping ground for all manner of rubbish.

TAC members removing some of the smaller overhanging branches to increase light to the river

Clearing in-river debris

TAC members at work

A Junior member along the footpath

A highly successful day on the Hogsmill river

Along with the sofa volunteers removed car tyres, a shopping trolley, various metal objects, wood, a broken push chair, traffic cones along with 10 bags of rubbish. 

Thanks to everyone who turned up to help this valuable little river.

TAC