Join Us for a Pilgrimage Along the Thames: Honouring Our Living Rivers
We invite you to join us in walking along the River Thames, journeying from Gravesend to Cliffe, in reverence for the river and all that she gifts us. This pilgrimage is part of Em’s wider journey along rivers in the UK, raising awareness for the Rights of Rivers movement and her petition to grant rivers and rias legal personhood in the UK - a vital step toward stronger protection and recognition of rivers as living entities with their own intrinsic value.
In celebration of World Animal Day, participants are encouraged to dress as river creatures - from dragonflies to fish to majestic birds - embodying the life that flows through the river and celebrating the Thames as a living, breathing ecosystem.
While this pilgrimage follows the Thames rather than the Medway, the rivers are intrinsically linked. The Medway flows into the Thames and onward to the sea - and all rivers are connected, forming a network of life and interdependence that stretches far beyond our immediate surroundings. This journey is an opportunity to reflect on that interconnectedness, to honour the waters that sustain us, and to raise collective awareness for the Rights of Rivers everywhere.
The pilgrimage begins at Gravesend Station and concludes at the Eternal Nature Reserve, where participants will gather for an afternoon of inspiration, learning, and celebration. The day will feature thought-provoking talks, hands-on workshops, shared stories, and joyful community activities designed to uplift our collective spirit and deepen our connection to the living river. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate life, and explore practical ways to protect the waterways that sustain us.
Event Details:
📍 Where: Gravesend Station → Eternal Nature Reserve, Cliffe
📅 When: 4th October 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
🎭 Dress: As a river animal (costumes encouraged!)
✍️ Support the Cause: Em’s petition to grant rivers and rias legal personhood in the UK is live. It needs 10,000 signatures for a government response and 100,000 for debate in Parliament. Add your name and help protect our rivers here.
