This Sunday, the 28th September is World Rivers Day - a time to reconnect with our local waterways, recognise their natural and historical importance, and come together to protect them for future generations. Here in the Chilterns, we are lucky to have chalk streams running directly through our urban centres - such as the historic, beautiful and abundant River Wye, rising quietly in West Wycombe and flowing for 10 miles through High Wycombe, Loudwater and Wooburn. A walk along the Wye reveals a landscape where history and nature meet – if you listen closely, you might hear the echoes of the waterwheels turning. This river hosts a variety of wildlife, from invertebrates, to kingfishers, and brown trout.
This World Rivers Day, the Not Bourne Yesterday team will be celebrating the River Wye at Desborough Recreation Grounds from 10am - 4pm.
Bring a pair of wellies, and use one of our nets to find some of the extraordinary aquatic life – you might even catch a fish. Identify the creatures you have found, and make artwork inspired by them. Hear about the ancient and rich history of the site, from iron age hill forts, to medieval industries, on a guided walk at 1pm. We will be under a gazebo next to the car park - you can't missus!
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At our event, you’ll get hands-on with river life:
🧤 Bring your wellies and grab a net to explore the aquatic world beneath the surface — you might even spot a fish!
🎨 Get creative with river-inspired artwork
🗺️ Join a guided history walk at 1pm and discover the River Wye’s fascinating journey through time, from Iron Age hill forts to medieval paper mills.
The River Wye is more than just a waterway — it’s a living thread that weaves together wildlife, industry, and community. This World Rivers Day, come and experience it for yourself.
🐟 All ages welcome — free and family-friendly!
📍 Desborough Recreation Grounds, High Wycombe
🕙 10am–4pm | Sunday, 28th September
Meet the Not Bourne Yesterday team, and find out a little more about our community powered programme, while celebrating one of the Chilterns chalk streams on site!
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