Walks and Journeys
Clean Up the River Lea (CURL)
Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest
Family Friendly
Free Event
About
Clean Up the River Lea (CURL), a new community action group, invites you to join We The Lea, a 15-mile walk celebrating and protecting one of London’s most vital ecological corridors. Starting at Waltham Abbey and ending at East India Dock, the route follows the River Lea, connecting communities and showcasing local groups working to restore and protect the waterway. Participants can walk as much or as little as they like, with public transport access along the route.
Despite its beauty, the River Lea is one of the most polluted rivers in England, filled with sewage, pesticides, plastic waste, and industrial runoff. Once home to otters, beavers, and eels, pollution has devastated its biodiversity. The iconic European eel, once a staple of East London cuisine, has declined by 90% since the 1960s and is now critically endangered.
This walk is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action! Along the route, we will be litter-picking and launching a petition to help restore eel populations and improve water quality. By coming together, we can advocate for a cleaner, healthier river that benefits both people and wildlife.
Access & Accessibility
The route is mainly flat with some uneven surfaces. The entire route is accessible by public transport. There will be public toilets along the route.