Introduced by David Attenborough, and presented by environmentalist Chris Baines, The Living Thames is an odyssey along the river as it meanders through London and flows out to sea, exploring its ever-changing ecology.

The Thames is Britain’s most famous river. Nevertheless, many people don’t know very much about it. For millions who see it every day, it’s a mystery.

In the 1950s, the Thames was severely polluted. Many people still see it as dead and dirty. The reality, however, is completely different. Thanks to the dedicated work of many, the Thames has recovered dramatically to become the cleanest urban estuary in Europe and teems with life.

This ecological transformation is a hugely-encouraging good news story and world-class example of environmental success through creative partnership working. And, as people all over the world grapple with complex environmental issues – and search for ways of delivering more joined-up approaches – an important story to tell.

In making the film, we aim to open people’s eyes to how truly remarkable the modern living Thames is and how crucial for connectivity, biodiversity and migrating species.

And, by showing how we are all connected to our rivers – through our sinks, drains, toilets, the air we breathe and wildlife we enjoy – we aim to encourage behavioural change, such as not pouring cooking oil down sinks, thereby building up fatbergs; not dropping litter; and not using single-use plastic bottles, as many will end up in rivers, where they will break down and poison aquatic wildlife and ultimately the ocean.