Thames Landscape Strategy

Hampton to Kew

The Thames Landscape Strategy is a rather different way of looking at planning a city. Instead of analysing the place in terms of specialist layers of zoning, we explored the river landscape as a whole; what it looks and feels like and how it makes sense to the people who live and work there.

The Strategy was based on years of daily observation; interviews with over 180 local interest groups and 50 official bodies; and extensive public consultation. It charts the historic, natural and recreation landscapes, crossing borough boundaries and legal jurisdictions to agree policies and projects for the next 100 years – the time it takes for an oak to reach maturity and for planning ambitions (which may seem impossible in the short term) to become realistic. Most importantly the Strategy was written and illustrated in a way that made it possible for lay people to use.

The TLS has just celebrated its 30th year under the co-ordinator Jason Debney and has raised millions for the river landscape. Sir David Attenborough is the patron.