Surrey Rivers Week is an opportunity to put our rivers and waterways in the spotlight, learn a little more about them and think about how we can help protect these important parts of our natural environment.
And you don't need to travel far to find a river in our part of Surrey.
Here in and around Epsom & Ewell, the Hogsmill River is one of our most familiar waterways.
The Hogsmill rises at springs around Ewell and flows northwards through the borough before eventually joining the River Thames at Kingston. Along the way it passes through parks, green spaces and urban areas, providing important habitats for wildlife and creating green corridors through our communities.
It's easy to think of a river simply as water flowing through a town, but rivers are living ecosystems.
They provide habitats for plants, insects, fish, birds and other wildlife, while the vegetation alongside them can provide food, shelter and nesting places.
Healthy rivers are important for far more than wildlife.
They form part of the wider water cycle and can help support biodiversity, provide green spaces for people to enjoy and contribute to the character and identity of the places they pass through.
Rivers also connect different habitats together. A healthy river corridor can act as a wildlife highway, allowing species to move between different areas of woodland, grassland, wetlands and gardens.
And, of course, rivers are part of our local history too. Many of our towns and villages developed around waterways, which provided water, power, transport and opportunities for industry.
This year's Rivers Week comes at a particularly important time for waterways.
Surrey, like much of the south-east, has experienced an exceptionally dry period. The Environment Agency has reported continuing pressure on water resources, with many rivers across England still recording flows below normal for the time of year.
That makes it even more important to think about where our water comes from and how our actions can affect the wider environment.
Pollution is another significant concern for rivers. Anything that enters a drain or watercourse can potentially make its way into the river system, which is why responsible disposal of chemicals, oils, litter and other pollutants matters.
You don't need to be a river expert or conservation volunteer to make a difference.
There are plenty of simple things we can all do:
Litter dropped near waterways can easily end up in the river. If you're enjoying a walk beside the Hogsmill or another local waterway, take everything home with you.
Wildlife-friendly gardens, native plants, trees and areas of vegetation can all provide valuable habitats. Even a small garden can contribute to a much bigger network of wildlife-friendly spaces.
Using water carefully is particularly important during periods of dry weather. Simple measures such as using a water butt, avoiding unnecessary water use and choosing drought-tolerant plants can all help.
Our waterways and the green spaces around them are wonderful places to walk and explore. But remember that they are also wildlife habitats. Keep dogs under control where appropriate, avoid disturbing wildlife and take care around the water.
Perhaps one of the easiest things you can do this Rivers Week is simply to become more curious.
Next time you're walking near a local waterway, stop for a moment and look around. What wildlife can you see? Where does the water come from? Where does it go next? How has the landscape around it changed over the years?
You might be surprised by how much there is to discover.
The Hogsmill River is particularly interesting for local residents because it runs through the heart of Ewell and connects our urban environment with the wider countryside.
The river and its surrounding habitats are home to a variety of wildlife, and there are ongoing projects and community efforts aimed at improving the river environment.
The Hogsmill is also a reminder that nature isn't something that exists somewhere else. You don't necessarily have to head into the Surrey Hills or a remote nature reserve to experience it.
Sometimes it's right on our doorstep.
Rivers Week is a great excuse to explore some of the green spaces around Epsom & Ewell and perhaps take a different route on your next walk.
We are fortunate to have plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature locally – from the Hogsmill and its tributaries to Epsom Common, Horton Country Park and the many parks and green spaces around the borough.
And when you do visit, take a little time to appreciate what you're seeing.
Our rivers and waterways are part of the natural infrastructure of our communities. They support wildlife, shape our landscapes and connect us to the wider environment.
This Surrey Rivers Week, why not get to know your local river a little better?
You might never look at that familiar stretch of water in quite the same way again.
Keep an eye out for Surrey Rivers Week info across the county, and look out for opportunities to learn more about local rivers and waterways.
For up-to-date information about river conditions and water resources, the Environment Agency provides regular updates on the water situation in England.
At thebestof Epsom & Ewell, we love sharing local stories, useful information and ideas for getting out and about in our area. If you've got a local event, project or community initiative you'd like us to know about, get in touch.
