Gather by the River Wandle for some hands-on fun re-wiggling a stretch of river to help local nature thrive.

Join us:

Historical landscaping and mill activities in the park had created a pair of dead straight, parallel, channels, devoid of character and variety of habitat. Together with the National Trust, we’ve already transformed the western channel, and now we plan to do the same on the eastern channel.

This hands-on conservation day will get you in the river channel installing large wood deflectors and building in channel berms. You'll learn these structures alter the flow of water to create habitats for wildlife. Whether you're new to conservation work or have volunteered before, you'll see the direct impact of your efforts.

What you'll do:

Install structures in channel to rewiggle the river

Learn about the different water flows needed for healthy river habitats

Help clean up the river

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.

No experience needed – just bring energy and clothes you don't mind getting muddy!

What you need to know

🕒 When: Friday 25th September 2026 10:00am - 3:00pm

📍Where to meet: Morden Hall Playground.

Google map HERE (https://maps.app.goo.gl/1WDpy35vBJ9uMFSn9).

What 3 words: ///tooth.milk.shiny (https://w3w.co/tooth.milk.shiny)

Grid reference: TQ261684

Nearest station: Morden

Nearest bus routes: 45, 80, 157, 164, 201, 470, and 93

🚗 Parking: Car park available.

👉 Booking is essential so we can plan tools and work safely.

⏰ Booking closes at midnight, Wednesday 23rd September.

What do you need to bring?

Packed lunch

Water bottle (filled up)

Reusable coffee cup if you have

Warm, weather appropriate clothing

Wear sturdy shoes /wellies and clothes 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 the work at the event will be quite physical and we’ll be working in-channel, steel-toed wearing chest waders (provided). The river is not too deep here – around 2-3ft at its deepest. 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 volunteering@southeastriverstrust.org 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 volunteering@southeastriverstrust.org

Legal bits

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for this event please click HERE (https://www.southeastriverstrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Safety-Guidelines-practical-event.pdf).

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 info@southeastriverstrust.org.

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 (http://www.southeastriverstrust.org/privacy-policy/).

Description supplied by the event organiser.