Thames Estuary
Planning for seascape-scale restoration of coastal habitats.
This planning grant supported the design of a seascape-scale restoration plan for the Greater Thames Estuary, a 250,000 ha landscape of intertidal and freshwater habitats on the edge of London. The project aimed to reconnect fragmented habitats through restoration, protection and reduced pressures, while engaging communities across the estuary in shaping a shared vision.
Greater Thames Estuary, England
ZSL
US$ 99,812
October 2023 – March 2025
250,000 ha
Intertidal and freshwater wetlands, estuarine channels, coastal habitats
European eel, sea bass, flounder, internationally important waterbirds, rare invertebrates
Why This Seascape Matters
The Thames Estuary’s coastal wetlands lie on a global flyways for migratory birds and have been nominated by the UK government as a Natural World Heritage Site.
The Thames Estuary is one of the UK’s most significant coastal landscapes, providing nursery grounds for fish such as sea bass and flounder, and supporting the critically endangered European eel. It is also of international importance for migratory and wintering birds, while its mudflats, saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands store carbon, buffer floods and reduce coastal erosion.
Despite improvements in water quality over recent decades, the estuary remains heavily degraded. More than 40% of its saltmarsh has been lost, together with most of its native oysters and seagrass meadows. Pressures from urbanisation, agriculture and pollution continue to threaten habitats and species.
What the Project Did
The grant developed a comprehensive coastal habitat restoration plan for the Greater Thames Estuary. It brought together research, stakeholder collaboration and community engagement to identify restoration priorities and practical pathways for recovery. The grant delivered:
An assessment of ecological pressures and opportunities across the estuary.
A framework for integrating restoration with national and regional policies.
A sustainable finance plan to support long-term delivery.
A collaborative process involving NGOs, local authorities, landowners and communities.
Estimates of restoration potential, including saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster habitats.
Looking Ahead
The planning grant provided a foundation for reconnecting and restoring habitats across the Greater Thames Estuary. Its work is now being carried forward through a seascape restoration grant from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme.
Find out more about the Transforming the Thames project
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