wandering about The River Wandle in London.......

It is the only surviving open river in the inner London area - where many others have long gone and vanished, or hidden underground mainly for the sake of urban development.

Its history is long, going as far back as Saxon times when "Wendel’s settlement" became known today as Wandsworth… but has been heavily utilised and sculpted along its whole route by successive generations for industry and manufacturing,  pleasure gardens and parks.

Today its history is rich with this background, taking in gracious parkland and industrial wasteland, urban street and garden suburb areas, with a variety of contrasts on the way – often providing a restful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of streets and suburban life around.  Fish thrive in its waters once more, and a whole variety of bird-life can be seen - from the numerous ducks, swans and coots to the more fabulous spotting of kingfishers and herons.  Oh, squirrels and cats too!

What is special is the ability to still traverse and enjoy the majority of its route - thanks to councils and organisations dedicated to its preservation, with easily accessible walks and pathways …