The Thames Landscape Strategy Partnership has published its draft review of the Thames Landscape Strategy (Kew – Hampton – Weybridge) and is inviting everyone to have their say until 31st August 2012.

The Thames Landscape Strategy (written by Kim Wilkie and published in 1994) seeks to protect and enhance the landscape of the Thames and is an analysis of the character of the river landscape, providing a vision for the natural and man-made elements of the landscape.

The Strategy was commissioned and is supported by a partnership of principal environmental agencies and the Royal Borough of Kingston and other councils.

Since publication in 1994, the ground-breaking Thames Landscape Strategy has stood the test of time. Changing priorities, organisational moves and the need to  adapt to climate change have, however, made it necessary to review the Strategy to make sure it is fit for the future.

Over the past two years, the Thames Landscape Strategy has carried out a series of consultation activities to draw together the evidence needed to update the 1994 report. The draft report is nearing completion and is now open to consultation before final agreement by the Thames Landscape Strategy partnership in September 2012.

I would strongly encourage both individuals and resident groups to read and give us their views on this important document that will continue to influence how we shape our riverside landscape for many years to come. For example, I would personally like to see more input on two issues of particular interest to me; 1) The future of the Filter Beds site on the Portsmouth Road and, 2)  An upgrading and increase in provision of boat mooring facilities along our stretch of the Thames. Please tell us what you think.

says Cllr Barry O’Mahony, Kingston’s representative on the Thames Landscape Strategy

To view the draft Thames Landscape Strategy Review: http://thames-landscape-strategy.org.uk/tlsreviewconsult