Thames wildlife remains a secret

Shopping trolleys and sewage are what most people think can be found in the River Thames, a new survey reveals.

The research for the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) showed 83% shared this pessimistic outlook and were unaware of the wildlife inhabiting the river.

It found only 17% knew there was salmon in the Thames, while only 6% believed Dover sole could be found.

Many commercially important fish, such as trout and sea bass, use the river as spawning and nursery grounds.

According to the ZSL, The Thames has become one of the world's cleanest metropolitan waterways.

Mud flats provide essential feeding grounds for migrant bird populations and dolphins, porpoises and seals are all regular visitors.

Alison Shaw from the ZSL said: "It seems that Londoners know more about tropical rainforests than the river on their doorstep."

A series of activities has been organised to raise awareness of how important the Thames is for wildlife and what needs to be done to protect it.