A Week of Inspiring Meetings & Exciting Discoveries for the UK River Summit and River Festival

Some weeks feel like a whirlwind of ideas, conversations, and connections—and this was certainly one of them! As we continue shaping the UK River Summit & Festival, I had the privilege of meeting some truly inspiring people, each bringing their own passion and expertise to the table.

History, Heritage & Conservation at Merton Abbey Chapter House

The week began in a setting rich with history—Merton Abbey Chapter House—where I met John Hawks alongside Vicki Goat who ran the Wandle Festival for 10 years. Standing among the medieval ruins, directly underneath a Sainsbury’s Superstore, we talked about the deep connections between rivers, heritage, and conservation. These historic sites, shaped by water and industry for centuries, remind us that protecting rivers isn’t just about ecology—it’s about preserving the stories and communities they have sustained.

John’s fascination with William Morris and his deep connection to the River Wandle was a highlight of our conversation at Merton Abbey Chapter House. As we stood among the ruins, he spoke passionately about the dichotomy of Morris’s life—his privileged upbringing coupled with his socialist activism and how the river powered his workshops and inspired his commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. The storyboards in the Chapter House bring this history to life, illustrating the legacy of the Arts and Crafts Movement along the Wandle as well as Liberty, whose iconic textiles were once printed at Merton Abbey Mills, another reminder of how this river has long been a source of creativity and industry.

“I do not want art for a few, any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few”

— William Morris

Art, Activism & A Pub Full of Ideas

One of the most exciting aspects of the Summit is the way art and culture intersect with river conservation. I had the chance to meet Elly Platt once again, an exhibitor in 2024, whose thought-provoking artistic work challenges us to see our waterways in new ways. We met at the William Morris pub at Merton Abbey Mills. The only pub directly on the River Wandle. Our discussion reaffirmed that creativity is a powerful tool in conservation—whether through visual art, music, or storytelling, artists provoke thought, inspire action, and connect people emotionally to the rivers around them.

Commitments from Industry Leaders & Policymakers

The Summit is not just about conversation—it’s about action. This week also saw powerful discussions with industry leaders and policymakers, several of whom are keen to be involved in the UK River Summit again afetr experiencing the powerful positive effects of a collaborative, open approach last year and an opportunity to share ideas and visions cross sector. From water companies acknowledging their role in pollution to policymakers recognising the urgent need for reform, the momentum for real change is building. These conversations are essential to ensuring that the Summit leads to long-term, impactful solutions for river conservation.

Planning the River Festival as part of London Borough Of Culture

Collaboration is key to making the UK River Summit & Festival a success, and our discussions with St George, the developer, and Nate from Sambrook’s Brewery took us a step closer to realising our vision. The festival will be a space for art, music, the spoken word, community, science and education to come together—a celebration of rivers, open to all, and a catalyst for lasting change.

A Major Discovery: A New Chalk Stream Restoration Project

Perhaps the most exciting discovery of the week was learning that the UK River Summit has already sparked a major new collaboration. Discussions at the Summit have led to a groundbreaking project to restore part of a chalk stream, bringing together a water company, campaigners, activists, and other key stakeholders. This initiative is a powerful example of what can happen when different voices unite around a common goal—restoring one of the UK’s most precious and fragile river ecosystems.

Film, Music & The Power of Storytelling

The week ended on a high note at The Theatreship, where I watched Rave on for the Avon. This film is a perfect example of how storytelling—whether through film, music, or art—can bring people closer to the rivers that shape their lives. It’s a rallying cry for connection, action, and rethinking how we engage with the waterways that define our landscapes and communities. This beautifully made film explored the wonderful strands of a community brought together by cold water swimming and sharing moments. Do read the 4 * review in the Guardian here and catch them on their national tour.

Looking Ahead

Each of these encounters reinforced a key theme - rivers are more than just bodies of water. They are sites of history, creativity, and collaboration. As we continue building towards the UK River Summit & the River Festival, I’m more excited than ever about the people coming together to make it happen.

And with new commitments from policymakers, industry leaders stepping up, and restoration projects emerging as a direct result of the Summit, the impact is already being felt. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for more!