Re-animating East London's forgotten waterways
Surge Cooperative aims to re-animate once thriving, barge-friendly London waterways by creating sustainable, community-led moorings for larger boats.
This involves making use of the underused local blue networks of historic wharves and quaysides to build lasting, creative links between communities on land and water.
Conservation on the Water
We work directly on the Channelsea River to protect and restore its ecology. Our new crowdfunded Eco Boat is now in the water and ready for action. We use it to tackle invasive species like Himalayan Balsam and Floating Pennywort, which choke the river and threaten its wildlife.
The Long Wall Ecology Garden
Along the Long Wall Path on the banks of the Channelsea, we tend an ecology garden and community orchard. Every month, volunteers join us to plant, weed, mulch, litter pick and watch the seasons change. From building living dead hedges for fungi and invertebrates to installing a compost toilet — this is a growing, living community space.
Advocating for River Rights
We believe the Channelsea River deserves legal recognition and protection. We are working with the River Rights Network and Loughborough University to develop a River Rights Charter for the Channelsea — as part of a growing movement in which 17 UK councils have already recognised local rivers as having rights under the law.
Monthly Eco Gatherings
On the first Saturday of every month, 11am–1pm, we gather at the Long Wall Ecology Garden. All are welcome — come for the fresh air, the river, the cake, and the community.
Latest News
Upcoming Events
- July 4, 2026
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Monthly Eco Gathering
July 4, 2026
Monthly get together at the Long Wall Ecology Garden to look after the space, Himalayan Balsam clearing, litter picking, observing, restoring and caring for the site.
Sign up to register a free place on Eventbrite
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Contact us.
