Ever been for a wander along the Wandle?
The Thames tributary meanders for nine miles between Wandsworth and Croydon, winding through the bucolic stretches of Watermeads Nature Reserve, turning waterwheels at Merton Abbey and Morden Park, and admittedly looking a little worse for wear along other, less salubrious stretches.
Wandle Fortnight — taking place 10-25 September — is an excuse to get to know the river, its history and its communities better; around 60 events and activities take place through the stint which takes in three weekends. Allow us to fish out a few highlights:
- The chance to meet the river's local fishing club The Wandle Piscators (10 Sept)
- A tour of the 18th century Carshalton Water Tower and Gardens (10, 11, 18 25 Sep)
- River-themed crafts and activity trail at Deen City Farm (10, 17, 24 Sept)
- Where the Wandle Meets the Thames, a display of photographs and ephemera at Earlsfield Library and Wandsworth Town Library (11-25 Sept)
- Various guided walks, including a tour of Watermeads Nature Reserve (11 Sept), one tracing Marc Bolan's formative days living in a prefab on the banks of the Wandle (17 Sept), another themed on the river's industrial heritage (22 Sept), and another about Francis Kitz, who worked as as a dyer for William Morris (23 Sept).
Many of the events and activities are free and don't require pre-booking, although donations are encouraged. Visit the Wandle Fortnight website for more info.
September is something of a golden month for riverine happenings in London, including a one-off nighttime flotilla along the Thames, and a pageant of classic boats moored up by the Tower of London.
