Thames Water commits to keeping Rye Meads open to the public

We have some very positive news to share following the public meeting held on 3 September 2026.

At the meeting, Thames Water confirmed its commitment to keeping Rye Meads open with public access after the RSPB withdraws in November.

This is a major development in the campaign and the clearest reassurance we have had so far on the issue that has concerned so many people: whether the reserve would remain accessible to the public.

More than 63,000+ people have signed this petition, and that strength of feeling has helped ensure that the future of Rye Meads has remained firmly on the agenda.

There is still work to do. Important questions remain around future management, volunteers, facilities, education, opening arrangements and the practical transition after the RSPB leaves.

We are also awaiting a formal press release in the coming days, which we hope will provide further detail and confirmation around the next steps.

But the conversation has now moved forward in a very significant way.

The question is no longer simply whether Rye Meads will remain open to the public. Thames Water has now said that it will.

The focus now is on making sure that commitment is delivered properly, with a smooth transition and a long-term future that protects both the reserve and the community that values it so deeply.

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, attended meetings, submitted questions and supported the campaign so far.

This is a huge step forward, and we’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more information.