- Comprises of the main drainage basins of the Thames tributaries
- Most developed part UK - Population of 12 million, with 1/5 of nations population - Area available 13,000 km 2 , and includes 14 counties, 58 district councils and 33 local planning authorities - Tributaries include Cole, Lee, Kennet, Wey and Loddon - In the West, it is rural and the dominant land use is agriculture - In the lower reaches of the Thames basin, in the east, the land is more urbanised and industrialised
Water Supply
Thames region is one of the most intensely managed catchments in the world.
4700 million L of water is extracted from the regions rivers and groundwater every day.
Rain falling in the Cotswolds can use up to 8 times before it reaches the Thames estuary.
The Thames has seen a continued growth in housing and commercial development and in mineral extraction, increasing pressure on the land, water resources and the water environment generally.
Over the past 30 years, demand public water supply is increased by 1.7% each year.
Key factors that influenced demand are: o The use of water in the home and garden o Losses free leakage from distribution systems and consumers planning o Population growth in household size o Development pressure and economic activity
Industrial Development
The area contains chalk, limestone, sand and gravel, which create opportunities for mineral extraction.
It is an important area for the export of raw materials and finished goods.
Large-scale traditional heavy industries, such as carpet manufacturing and iron and steel Works, located in the flat floodplains because the land was cheap and available for trade.
Residential Development
There are there are very benefit from building settlements next to the river especially in its lower course.
These are the supply of drinking water, good potential for trading communications, relatively flat site for residential industrial development, and farming.
Most settlements are built on raised ground to reduce the risk of flooding, example Oxford within the Thames basin.
Most of the floodplains of the Thames in the Cherwell has not been built upon, instead of being used for farming and for recreational use.
Housing is generally located on higher ground.
Some developments are at risk from flooding.
The Thames Gateway initiative in East London and neighbouring counties is a national priority area for regeneration. At 14,000 zones of change planned, with growth from 2001 to 2016 of 100 000 and employment growth of 300 000.
Most of the conflict in the Thames drainage basin relate to the demand for more housing. The mudflats and saltmarshes of the Thames estuary are important ecological areas. The Thames floodplains provide important wetlands, but there are still plans for building new settlements.
The new settlement will have 120 000 thousand homes below sea level.
Ideas are: Raising homes on stilts Building roads on embankments above sea level Sacrificing large areas of Kent and Essex farmlands to floodwaters during tidal surges to prevent London defences being overwhelmed
Reasons for development are High demand for housing in South East England, Large number of jobs in London region, Continued in migration of migrants from other regions in the UK and overseas, Desire to do it redevelop the former industrial parts of the Thames Gateway
Farming
Lower parts of the river are used due to supply of water, there gentle slopes, and easier use the machines, so arable farming predominates.
Upper regions are generally cooler, wetter and steeper, therefore arable farming is less suited. Areas that flood, livestock farming may be more appropriate since animals can be led to dry ground.
Transportation and Trade
Transport creates jobs in transport, storage and logistics, with the effect of demand for housing for workers in retail, education and health services. The more trade there is, the greater number of jobs generated.
River valleys, generally in a low course, a relatively flat and make transport routes easy to build.
Recreation and Leisure
Is used for fishing, swimming, canoeing, rowing, sailing, cruising, guided tours, and walking and hiking.
The valley of Cherwell and the Thames are used as sports grounds, farmland, the city is botanical gardens and allotments, while rivers are used for punting and water sports.
The Cotswold Waterpark is extremely important recreational source within the Thames basin. The park is made up of many lakes, which are used for a wide range of water-based recreation and other forms of recreation that attract many visitors.
Flood Defences
The Thames Barrier provides protection to the 420 000 London property is at risk from Thames tidal flooding.
At in 2030, upgrading of the barrier and defences will cost 4 billion.
On average the barrier has to close 3 times per year however in 2000/2001 the barrier had to close 24 times.
The floodplains and tributaries provide important flood alleviation and strategic facility, which reduces discharge in the floodplains prior to reaching major urban areas downstream. Conservation
Cotswolds Waterpark focuses on mineral extraction, while diversity of wildlife and habitat features are acknowledged at a national and international importance.
Water areas are ecologically important for wildfowl and a number of wet meadows have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Parts of the drainage basin attracted considerable attention and mudflats which can be considered ugly, but are very important that biodiversity. The mudflats and saltmarshes are important ecological havens, including the Thames estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area.