This 200 mile, gruelling 9 day expedition will be undertaken by 4 students and a member of staff from Cirencester College. The plan is take kayaks from the source of the Thames to the sea. Although most of it is possible by water the first 11 miles we will have to portage the craft. From where the Thames begins as just a pile of stones to Cricklade will possibly be the hardest part as we negotiate fields, gates and narrow dirt tracks just to find the water.

This epic begins on the 13th of July and will finish on the 21st of July expecting the trip to take around nine long days.

We want to complete this trip to raise awareness of what is happening to our natural waterways that were once the arteries of this nation used by people and wildlife and highlight their serious decline. We are all sport enthusiasts and understand if this pollution keeps being allowed to happen it will no longer be possible to swim, kayak, fish, SUP and enjoy these vital waterways. This is alongside the disappearance of freshwater species that play an important role on our ecosystems.

We want to complete this trip to raise awareness of what is happening across the UK to our waterways. They are enjoyed by millions each year but in many cases to the detriment of their health due to lack of awareness of the current pollution.

As college students we wanted to take on a challenge that was both demanding and possibly a world first. None of us have completed a physical kayaking challenge anywhere near this long and feel it is going to be a very tough challenge but worthwhile expedition. It will take us nine days to travel the whole 200miles. We will pass through or over at least 40 locks, carrying all of our equipment and supplies within our expedition kayaks.

During our trip we will be taking evidence of pollution by testing the water for Nitrate and Phosphorus which shows in high levels for polluted water, we will be recording aspects of the journey and uploading evidence of the trip, including distances travelled.

As a group of water sports enthusiasts who are passionate about the UK countryside, we find it tragic that in 2022 0% of rivers in England are in good health and that 83% of freshwater species are in decline globally. For this reason, we chose to raise money for Surfers against Sewage because their fundamental aim is to protect the waterways that we value so much and hope to be able to use for future generations. They are trying to raise awareness and act in protecting these important ecosystems for all.

We understand that although financially times are hard at the moment, if you can help us in our challenge of raising awareness, we would be most grateful. We would love it if you could share this, as well as our progress and if possible, donate.

Thankyou!