River Restoration Volunteering – Culvers Avenue, Hackbridge - River Wandle

Volunteer with the SERT team to install wooden deflector and make berms to improve the River Wandle. Join us: The River Wandle is one of approximately 200 chalk streams globally. This is a rare and precious habitat that produces crystal-clear and mineral-rich waters, and supports species like wild brown trout and kingfishers. However, in many sections it is overshaded and over-widened leading to slow flow and little vegetation growth in the channel. Come and help us install wood deflectors and repair damaged berms. No prior experience needed. Just bring energy, sturdy footware and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! We’ll bring the rest of the equipment and teach you how to use it safely. Installing wooden deflectors will vary the flow in the river creating some fast moving area and some sheltered pools. Berms narrow the river increasing the flow and creating small meanders. These will both help improve habitats in the river for fish and invertebrates. Throughout September we will also be carrying tree works to increase light hitting the river and promote vegetation growth and well and moving gravel in the river to create pool for fish to shelter in and shallow riffle which will oxygenate the water. What you'll gain: Practical conservation skills, hands-on experience in habitat restoration, and the satisfaction of making a visible difference to your local river. Plus, you'll meet other people passionate about protecting nature. It’s a great way to meet people, get some fresh air, and give back to nature. What you need to know 🕒 When: Wednesday 16th September 2026, 10am-3pm. 📍Where to meet: Hackbridge Park Gardens by the river. • Google map: Meeting Point • What 3 words: ///powers.tape.option • Nearest station: Hackbridge Corner Station (9 minute walk) • Nearest bus routes: 127, 80, 151, 157 🚗 Parking: On-street parking available, but watch out for the permit zone nearby 👉 Booking is essential so we can plan tools and work safely. Please secure your place on Eventbrite here. ⏰ Booking closes at 11:30pm on Monday 14th September 2026. What do you need to bring? • A packed lunch. • A full water bottle. • Reusable coffee cup. • Long sleeve shirt/jacket (protection from brambles and nettles). • Sturdy shoes or wellies you don't mind getting a bit dirty. We will provide tea, coffee, biscuits and light refreshments throughout the day :) Accessibility: Please be aware that some sections of the riverbank are steep and uneven. Some work will require entering the river channel wearing waders (provided). If you have any questions about access or physical requirements, please get in touch before the event. Under 18? Minimum age is 16. If you're 16 or 17 and coming without a parent/guardian, we'll need written parental consent. Email [email protected] for the consent form. Good to know • We’ll contact you if severe weather means we need to reschedule • Please check your junk folder for confirmation emails Questions? Please email us at [email protected] Legal bits To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for this event please click HERE. Photos and video footage will be taken at this event and used by the Trust for promotional purposes (including but not limited to printed materials, social media, newsletters and the website) and potentially shared with our external partners and funders. From time to time, external media agencies could also take photos, film or record our events. The Trust’s lawful basis for processing this is “Legitimate Interests” under the General Data Protection Regulations. As an individual you have rights. If you wish for SERT to stop processing this data for you, please talk to a member of staff or email [email protected]. To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.