The Eel's Tale: Creek Walk with Matthew Hatchwell

Join us to explore the elusive wetland inhabitants behind Sam Williams'The Eel's Tale through a walk along Faversham Creek led by conservationist Matthew Hatchwell.

Matthew, who features in the film and has over 30 years experience working in wildlife conservation, will talk about the ecology of the critically endangered European eel and it's place European culture, and explain the many threats to European eels, including overfishing, illegal wildlife trade and climate change.

Throughout the guided walk, will learn how man-made barriers threaten the migration of eels and how these barriers can be made more permeable to facilitate migration. Matthew also share important glass eel monitoring techniques that can be used to support eel populations in North Kent.

The walk will take us from Stonebridge Pond, a location featured in the film, the walk will take us along Faversham Creek as far as Thorn Creek. We will circle back and end the walk at Standard Quay to watch The Eel's Tale, which is installed in Faversham till 30 November 2025.

The film, which traces the life cycle of the European eel and its elusive presence in the Kent’s waterways, explores how a creature defined by its journeys across national borders, changing environments, and bodily transformation can redefine how we understand our place in the world.

The Eel’s Tale has been commissioned by Cement Fields and FLAMIN (Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network) for the The Open Road – a series of new artists moving image works reimagining the age-old tale of a journey taken, weaving together new stories loosely inspired by The Canterbury Tales.

The Open Road is commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella, The Amelia Scott, Cement Fields, FLAMIN, Forma, and Three Rivers. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Further info

The walk has a total distance of approx. 3.5km.

The route covers flat terrain, with no hills, but is not suitable for wheel-chairs.

Walking shoes and appropriate clothing is advised, especially if conditions are wet.

If you have any questions about the route, please contact us at info@cementfields.org.