Clean & Healthy Waterways Schools Challenge

Summary

Primary school-age children across London are invited to take part in the Mayor of London’s Clean and Healthy Waterways Schools Challenge 2026.

This exciting creative challenge invites young Londoners aged 4 to 11 to imagine a future where everyone can connect with clean, healthy waterways and the nature around them.

Winning designs will be featured on picnic benches in four London boroughs, helping celebrate and support London’s rivers, canals and wetlands for years to come.

Design submission deadline: 26^th June 2026

About

Groundwork London, on behalf of the Mayor of London, is inviting primary school-age children from across London to submit creative designs inspired by this year’s theme: The River of Life

London’s waterways are part of what makes our city special. From the Thames to canals, wetlands and smaller rivers, these spaces connect communities, support wildlife and help people enjoy nature close to home.

This challenge encourages children to explore what rivers and waterways mean to them, from wildlife and adventure to wellbeing, community and the future of our city.

The idea is to hear from children across all London boroughs and welcome submissions from children of all backgrounds.

The Theme: The River of Life

People sometimes describe rivers as “the river of life” because rivers can reflect our own journeys through life.

Like rivers, life can have twists and turns. Sometimes it feels calm, and sometimes it feels challenging. Rivers, canals and wetlands connect people across London and remind us that we all share this wonderful, complicated and fascinating journey together.

We’re inviting children to create designs inspired by:

• hopes for cleaner, greener waterways in the future
• life in, on or beside London’s waterways
• wildlife and plants that live in rivers, canals and wetlands
• memories or experiences near water

Prizes

There will be eight winning designs, and each will be painted on a picnic bench and placed in one of the following London boroughs:

• Barnet
• Ealing
• Hackney
• Wandsworth

Designs will feature the winner’s age and name of the school. The child’s name will be anonymised for data protection purposes.

The first prize winner will receive a Clean & Healthy Waterways workshop for their class, specifically designed for their year group and the curriculum.

Who can enter?

The challenge is open to:

• children aged 4 to 11
• primary schools,  home schools, or play schemes across Greater London
• entries submitted by teachers, parents, guardians or play scheme leaders

Schools and play schemes may submit multiple entries, but each child may only enter once.

Key dates

• Submissions open: 5^th June 2026
• Submission deadline: 26^th June 2026
• Winners contacted: w/c 6th July 2026

Unfortunately, late entries may not be considered.

Links