Learn a centuries-old craft restoring the Thames bank at Kew this October
2 October 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Three free workshops on the Kew towpath this month are offering residents the chance to learn willow spiling — a traditional riverbank restoration technique that weaves living willow stakes into a natural barrier to slow erosion and create habitat for wildlife.
Hosted by the Thames Landscape Strategy, the sessions run on Tuesday 6 October, Tuesday 13 October and Tuesday 20 October, each from 10am to 2pm. Participants meet at the end of Old Palace Lane, where it meets the towpath. No previous experience is required; tools, materials and guidance are all provided on the day.
The willow structure volunteers help build will continue to grow after the workshops end, gradually stabilising the riverbank and improving conditions for birds, insects, fish and other river life. It is practical conservation work with visible, lasting results.
The sessions are open to anyone interested in the natural environment, the history of the Thames or simply spending a morning outdoors doing something useful. Volunteers can join a single session or attend all three — each is self-contained.
With the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew already recently restored after significant damage, this kind of ongoing habitat and bank work helps protect a stretch of river that tens of thousands of Londoners use each week. More information is on the Richmond Council website.