Reconnecting rivers and reviving heritage to secure a thriving future for eels and communities.
TRT is proud to be expanding this work through a funded Development Phase (2026 to 2027), building on our successful pilot, the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) 2020 to 2022.
Currently, the TCCEP partnership, led by TRT, is preparing for a Delivery Phase. Our aim is to leave a lasting benefit for eel conservation and river catchments across the Thames Basin.
The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a flagship heritage and nature recovery programme that brings together communities, conservationists, and catchment partners to restore rivers and reconnect people with the living heritage of the Thames Basin; focused on the conservation of the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The Zoological Society of London are co-ordinating the Thames Eel Action Plan, this project has been developed using the action plan and will feed into it.
Have Your Say: Bring Back the Eel
As part of our Development Phase, we have launched a public consultation to gather views from communities right across the Thames Basin. Your thoughts will help shape the next phase of the project and strengthen our case for eel conservation and river recovery across the catchment.
It takes around five minutes, is fully anonymous, and is open to everyone. There is also a prize draw to win an annual ZSL Gold Zoo Membership worth up to £336, kindly donated by ZSL.
Have your say online | Download the printable form | Download the booklet version
Please share this with your friends, family, and networks — the more people we reach, the greater the difference we can make for our rivers and communities.
Open until 31 October 2026.
The TCCEP Partners:
The project will be active on: The Roding The Kennet The Thames The London Lea The Lower Lea The Mole The Medway
Thames catchment Community Eels Project – Development Phase is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to begin our 1 year Development Phase, working with our 7 project partners across the Thames River Basin and start laying the foundations for a strong and strategic Delivery Phase.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
