Next time you walk along the Thames Path, try looking up. High above the river and the path, there’s a leafy world of branches, bark, and birdsong waiting to be discovered. Trees are some of the oldest living things along the Trail — and they have lots of stories to tell.

As part of our Nature on the Trail month, this blog is all about the trees that line the Thames Path and why they are so important to wildlife, people, and the river itself.

Trees by the river

One of the most common trees you’ll see near the Thames is the willow. Willow trees love water and often lean gracefully over the river, their long branches dipping down like green curtains.

Did you know?
Willows help stop riverbanks from washing away because their roots hold the soil together.

Willows are also brilliant homes for wildlife. Birds nest in their branches, insects crawl along their bark, and fish shelter in the shade they create over the water.

Another tree you might spot is the oak — strong, sturdy, and full of life. Oak trees can live for hundreds of years, meaning some may have been growing beside the Thames long before the Path became a National Trail 30 years ago.

Fun fact:
An oak tree can support more wildlife than almost any other tree in the UK — hundreds of insects, birds, and mammals depend on it.

A home for all seasons

Trees work hard all year round. In spring, fresh green leaves appear and birds build nests. In summer, trees offer shade on hot walking days. In autumn, leaves crunch underfoot and seeds fall for animals to collect. In winter, bare branches still provide shelter and resting places for birds.

Trees also help clean the air, slow rainwater before it reaches the river, and create calm, peaceful spaces for people walking the Thames Path.

Try this Tree Explorer Challenge!

On your next walk, see if you can become a Tree Explorer:

🌳 Can you find a tree leaning over the water?
🌳 Can you spot different shapes of leaves?
🌳 Can you feel smooth bark and rough bark?
🌳 Can you hear birds or insects living in the tree?

Remember to look with your eyes and hands — but gently and safely.

Why trees matter on the Thames Path

For 30 years, the Thames Path National Trail has helped protect not just a walking route, but a living landscape. Trees are a big part of that story. They link habitats together, support wildlife, and make the Path a place where people can slow down, breathe, and connect with nature.

So next time you walk the Trail, take a moment to say hello to the trees.

Some of them have been quietly watching the Thames flow for centuries — and now, they’re part of your adventure too. 🌿