Culture And Memory

Life on the Lea

"Life on the Lea" seeks to document and preserve the lived experiences, sustainable practices, and cultural heritage of the River Lea’s boat-dwelling community through oral histories, heritage craft workshops, and sustainability-focused learning. This underrepresented community offers a unique lens on alternative living, environmental stewardship, and the social impacts of gentrification. By working collaboratively with boat dwellers, we will create an archive of stories that illuminate how residents respond to urban displacement, form resilient communities, and live in harmony with their environment. This archive will inform a public exhibition, podcast, guidebook, and educational resources for schools. The project aligns closely with the £1.8 billion initiative announced in March 2025 by the Mayor of London, TfL, Thames Water, and the London Wildlife Trust to restore and protect river health. Living on the Lea will provide community-driven insights that complement this top-down investment in urban waterway sustainability.