This episode marks the launch of a new panel discussion series People of the Thames on Talk of the Thames, where we explore how different communities work, create, and engage with the river. Hosted by Chloe Russell, this series brings together experts, storytellers, and practitioners whose lives and work are directly tied to the Thames.

Episode 1: People of the Thames: Working on the River
In this first panel, we dive into the working life of the Thames—what it means to make a living on the river, preserve its heritage, and create opportunities for future generations. Recorded aboard the Theatreship, a beautifully restored vessel moored in Canary Wharf, this discussion captures the stories of those shaping the river’s future.

💡 What’s in this episode?

• The hidden world of river work—from marine restoration to skills training
• How the Thames connects people, past and present, through heritage and conservation
• The importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of river workers
• Challenges and hopes for the future of the Thames as a working and living river

Featuring:
🔹 Katherine Riggs (Thames Skills Academy) – on training and inspiring the next generation of river workers
🔹 Laura Nee (Thames Landscape Strategy) – on preserving and enhancing the river’s cultural and natural heritage
🔹 Inigo Lapwood (Theatreship) – on restoring historic vessels and keeping maritime history alive

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Talk of the Thames has been brought to you by the Thames Estuary Partnership https://www.thamesestuarypartnership.org/

Keep up to date with TEP on all platforms!
Twitter: @ThamesEstPart
Facebook: @thamesestuarypartnership
Instagram: @thamesestuarypartnership
YouTube: @thamesestuarypartnership

Produced & Presented by Chloe Russell

Welcome to a special episode of Talk of Thames with your host, Chloe Russell. This week, we're taking you on an exclusive boat trip along the iconic River Thames, recorded live during the Totally Thames Festival 2023. Join our expert guides—Amy Pryor, Technical Director of Thames Estuary Partnership, Fisheries Expert Steve Colclough, and Thames Archaeologist Fiona Haughey—as they delve into the rich biodiversity, fascinating history, and hidden heritage of London's great river.

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Talk of the Thames has been brought to you by the Thames Estuary Partnership https://www.thamesestuarypartnership.org/

Keep up to date with TEP on all platforms!
Twitter: @ThamesEstPart
Facebook: @thamesestuarypartnership
Instagram: @thamesestuarypartnership
YouTube: @thamesestuarypartnership

Produced & Presented by Chloe Russell.

Welcome back to the second part of our captivating journey beneath the surface of the Thames Estuary. In this episode, we're joined by a true guardian of these waters, Steve Colclough, Fisheries Scientist and Chair of the Estuarine & Marine Specialist Section at the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM). We've moved our discussion from the riverbank to the riverside at Battersea Reach, where Steve provides invaluable insights into the world of marine and freshwater fisheries, as well as his extensive experience in protecting this unique ecosystem.

We pose a series of thought-provoking questions to Steve, exploring his remarkable 40 year long career and his passion for preserving the biodiversity of the Thames Estuary. We uncover the challenges he's faced while conducting fish surveys, his innovative solutions and his ability to collaborate with a diverse array of stakeholders.

From memorable discoveries to the environmental threats that fish populations face, we dive deep into the intricacies of the estuarine ecosystem. Steve shares his wisdom on sustainable fisheries management practices and the ever-evolving trends he's observed over the years.

As the conversation unfolds, we also touch on the special concerns and conservation interests associated with particular fish species and habitats in the Thames Estuary.

For those who harbour dreams of a career in marine and freshwater fisheries or environmental consultancy, Steve imparts his seasoned advice. And, as always, we conclude with a profound take-home message from our esteemed guest.

So, join us at the tranquil Riverside at Battersea Reach as we learn from the river's guardian, Steve Colclough, and continue our exploration of the hidden world beneath the tides of the Thames Estuary.

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Talk of the Thames has been brought to you by the Thames Estuary Partnership https://www.thamesestuarypartnership.org/

Keep up to date with TEP on all platforms!
Twitter: @ThamesEstPart
Facebook: @thamesestuarypartnership
Instagram: @thamesestuarypartnership
YouTube: @thamesestuarypartnership

Produced & Presented by Chloe Russell.