Thame Catchment Partnership Water Conference 2022

10th August 2022

As co-hosts of the Thame Catchment Partnership, Freshwater Habitats Trust and River Thame Conservation Trust are hosting the first Water Conference on 20 September 2022.

The event is an opportunity for passionate supporters of the River Thame catchment to discuss how they can collectively work towards a high quality catchment, which supports local wildlife.

Held during Rivers Week 2022, the conference will bring together the many groups and individuals who collaborate for a healthy river catchment, valued and enjoyed by local people. It is expected to attract professionals in the water environment sector, land managers, funders and members of the local community.

The conference is free (with suggested donations at the door) and will be split into three parts:

  1. Restoration and research
  2. Community engagement and impact
  3. Networking dinner

Freshwater Habitats Trust Project Officer Hannah Worker said: “Our inaugural Water Conference will be an opportunity to share information and increase awareness among the many people who work so hard to positively impact the water environment in the Thame catchment.

“The Thame Catchment is about much more than the River Thame. It encompasses all freshwaters, including tributaries, headwaters, floodplain, lakes, ponds and ditches. Together, they create a network that supports freshwater wildlife and is essential for biodiversity – as well as our own health and wellbeing.

“Within the River Thame catchment, we’ve identified several Important Freshwater Areas, which are freshwater biodiversity hotspots, providing habitats for many rare and threatened species. These will be a focus for our practical conservation work as we build the Freshwater Network across England and Wales.”

The Thame Catchment Partnership is jointly hosted by the River Thame Conservation Trust and Freshwater Habitats Trust. It was set up as part of the Government’s Catchment Based Approach, which seeks to support the objectives of the Water Framework Directive and nature conservation legislation and policies.

The Water Conference will be held at Great Haseley Village Hall. Register for tickets on EventBrite. The event is free but spaces are limited.