Along with the Royal Family, Big Ben and the London Eye, the River Thames is one of the best known facets of London. Unfortunately, it has also been regarded as one of the most polluted rivers in the world. But that is changing due to concerted efforts by organisations and Mother Nature who, in recent years, have been able to reverse some of the ecological damage.

In terms of the environment, the floods experienced in the UK’s spring may have signalled disaster for farmers, but the trees which suffered during last year’s heat wave have now been watered and much of the pollution in rivers such as the Thames has been washed away.