Wandle News is the go-to site for information and news on the historic Wandle Valley, where you can discover local wildlife, scenic walks, curiosities, and what it means when a squirrel stares at you.
We caught up with Olivia Herlihy, the brains behind Wandle News, to discuss her passion for our local tributary and what we can do as a community to protect our waterways.
Hi Olivia, tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
I am local blogger living in Wandsworth. I have five blogs in total, and Wandle News is my latest.
What inspired you to start Wandle News?
I’m a big fan of the Wandle Trail, and I felt there was a need for a blog dedicated to everything going on around the river Wandle. I also wanted to create a website that would help foster a sense of pride in our local river, and increase environmental awareness.
Can you share your favourite fact about the river?
The Wandle is a chalk stream, which makes it very special as there are only about 200 chalk streams in the world. Chalk streams have very clear, mineral-rich water, and can support a wide variety of wildlife and plants.
Have you walked the Wandle Trail?
Yes, I’ve walked it many times from Wandsworth Town all the way to Carshalton. It was one of my favourite walks during lockdown.
What can we do to help protect the river?
At the moment there is a big problem with fly tipping along the Wandle Trail, particularly at the Wandsworth end. This is usually caused by disreputable disposal companies who dump waste there illegally.
It’s really important to make locals aware that they can book a bulky waste collection with Wandsworth Council. Unfortunately, if you book a collection with a company you find online, or through a card that was posted through your letter box, you will need to check their registration and that they are established, otherwise there is risk the waste could be disposed of irresponsibly, and it may end up in our local river.
Tell us about the action you’re taking alongside the community.
We will be having regular litter picking meet ups on various sections of the Wandle Trail starting in August. The dates will be advertised on Wandle News and in my monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to via the website.
What do you love most about Wandsworth Town?
My favourite spot in Wandsworth Town is Old York Road. I love all the independent shops and cosy cafes. It has become one of my favourite places in Wandsworth to go for brunch at the weekend.
Keep up to date with the latest updates by following Wandle News on Instagram.
