Monday 24 June 2024

Thames Environment Fund opens

Medway Swale Estuary Partnership litter picks have removed 874kg of rubbish from the foreshore.

As part of London Climate Action Week (22 June to 30 June), the Port of London Authority (PLA) has opened this year’s Thames Environment Fund.

As a trust port, the PLA’s role is to protect and improve the tidal Thames for all, handing it on in a better condition to future generations. To deliver on the environmental aims of the PLA’s strategy, Thames Vision 2050, this year’s funding aims to attract a wider variety of applicants, including from schools, charities and sports clubs with an interest in protecting the river. Marking London Climate Action Week (22 June to 30 June), the Port of London Authority (PLA) has opened this year’s Thames Environment Fund.

Grace Rawnsley, Director of Sustainability at the PLA said: “We are excited to launch our Thames Environment Fund this year. We’re again offering £50,000 to fund a range of projects that foster environmental improvements on the tidal Thames. We welcome any applicants who share our passion and vision for the future of the natural Thames and its wildlife.”

In the past three years, the PLA has underwritten 14 projects, thanks to the Thames Environment Fund. Last year’s funding supported clean up events, repaired a pontoon and promoted the research on filtration of microplastics.

Applications are open to any project ideas that will be of environmental benefit to the tidal Thames. The application period opens today, 24 June, and closes on Friday 30 August 2024 at 5pm. Projects may ask for up to £15,000.

Full details and application information available on our website.

PLA sustainability star on the BBC 

PLA’s Grace Staines, from our Environment team, has taken a starring role in a BBC short film, sponsored by the Marine Emissions Portal company RightShip, in their series called ‘The Blue Economy’. 

With a potential audience of half a billion people worldwide, it was all filmed at the PLA’s head office, London River House, and around the Thames Estuary. The short film focusses on the reduction of carbon emissions and also features Dave Watson, from Svitzer, as they have converted their tugs to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil to reduce emissions.

Watch the film on YouTube

Port Hydrographer John Dillon-Leetch awarded

Photo: Sarah Dillon-Leetch

Marking World Hydrography Day on 21 June, our Port Hydrographer John Dillon-Leetch was presented with the Alexander Dalrymple Award for 2024 by the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The accolade recognises his significant contributions to hydrography.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award committee recognised John for his crucial role in advancing the PLA’s commitment to navigational safety, conservation, and sustainability. During his time as Port Hydrographer, John has enabled the PLA to develop one of the most proficient hydrographic departments in the UK.

John said: “I am delighted and honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award. Steve Richie, who was the first recipient of the Alexander Dalrymple Award, wrote a book entitled ‘No Day Too Long - An Hydrographer's Tale’ which first drew me to the profession. Thirty years later, to be counted amongst its alumni is the highlight of my career. I see the award as recognition of the Port of London Authority's consistent support and the value it places in the positive impact that hydrography brings to improving safety, efficiency and sustainability on the Thames, as well as the wider ports and shipping industry."

Read more: John Dillon-Leetch receives 2024 Alexander Dalrymple Award

London Rivers Week 

Now in its 8th year, Thames 21’s London Rivers Week (22-28 June) offers a variety of events with the aim of inspiring the public to celebrate all of London’s rivers and the projects taking place on them. 

This year’s theme ‘London is a river city’ focuses on health and well-being and cultural activities. 

Find out more

London Climate Action Week

London Climate Action Week (LCAW) is one of the world’s largest independent climate change events. This year, it takes place 22-30 June.  

LCAW brings people and organisations together to host a variety of events and collaborations, all focused on finding global solutions to climate change. 

Find out more

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