Thames Path

Joe Crowley takes a journey from the Thames Barrier at Woolwich to the coast at Southend-on-Sea.

At Woolwich Joe hears about the tragic floods of 1953 and takes a close look at the barrier that now protects London from flooding.

Next stop is Rainham Marshes near Purfleet where urban birder David Lindo teaches Joe to birdwatch with his ears.

Further along the river, Joe visits Hadleigh Park which will be used as the 2012 Olympic mountain bike track. His journey ends at Southend-on-Sea where he learns how the town keeps its seas safe and clean.