I've walked many times along the Roding, at various points from Chigwell to Barking, where it joins the Thames. For some of that length, it's a typical rural ri

I've walked many times along the Roding, at various points from Chigwell to Barking, where it joins the Thames. For some of that length, it's a typical rural river, with wildlife and clear water. A high point was discovering a wild bee hive! Sadly, the bees were dying off, and it was gone the next time I went there... Another high point was cycling there when it had flooded and innundated the footpath. Trying to remain dry, I accidentally stumbled in. So I resigned myself, and cycled through the water up to my thighs - and discovered that it wasn't as difficult (or cold) as I'd imagined! But when it gets to Ilford - that's when the garbage builds up. Urban rivers are typically disgusting. Barking (mentioned in the article) once had a thriving river trade, and it shows... Housing estates, small industry, neglect and contempt all combine to make it a rather grim stretch of river. I'm really glad someone's taking action to clean it up...