Fly fishers gather for clean rivers event in London

Politics, embroidery and fly-fishing will converge at the UK River Summit on 8 July, 2025. The event, held at Mordern Hall on the banks of the River Wandle in London, will be an opportunity to hear major players in the clean rivers debate, and learn about water monitoring and transforming our water use.

Summit founder and passionate fly-fisher Claire Zambuni says she wants to “unite voices across disciplines – from conservation to culture, science to sport, activism to advocacy – in one powerful movement for change.”

UK Government, Ofwat and River Action to debate clean rivers

River Summit highlights include roundtable discussions with James Wallace, head of the campaign group River Action; David Black, boss of the underfire water industry regulator Ofwat; and Emma Hardy MP, UK Government minister for water. Others attending include psychologists, behaviourists, documentary makers and farmers, each of whom will be offering a unique insight into how we can achieve cleaner rivers in the UK.

Angling art and books

Authors David Profumo and Luke Jennings will host conversations with guests including Tom Holland, host of The Rest is History podcast, who will discuss Admiral Nelson’s fly-fishing on the Wandle.

Artists will exhibit fascinating embroidery and prints as well as dance, all inspired by rivers. Orvis will be providing free fly-fishing lessons and Roger Daltrey’s Lakedown Brewery will be offering refreshment.

The latest citizen science water monitoring for fly fishers will be demonstrated by Wildfish and the Angling Trust.

Coalition for cleaner rivers

Claire Zambuni added: “The UK River Summit brings together everyone with a stake in the health of our rivers. By creating a space where policy makers, campaigners, artists and anglers can sit around the same table, we’re building a coalition for change.

Together, we can reimagine our rivers not only as ecological lifelines but as cultural, historical and communal treasures.”

Tickets are £45, including lunch. Visit theriversummit.com