The charity Thames 21 is launching its Waterways Treasure Hunt in Lewisham on Tuesday 31st August, with a wade along the Quaggy River upstream from Manor Park.

One of the leaders of the event will be QWAG founder Matthew Blumler, who will explain more about the area's biodiversity. Suitable for all the family, the event will be a great way to learn more about the area. Waders will be provided, sizes 3 and up.

Meet at the main entrance to Manor Park, Lewisham SE13 5RL.

Transport links: The meeting point is a 5-minute walk from Hither Green Station and a 20-minute walk from Lewisham Station. Bus 273 runs past the entrance, and buses 321, 261 and 178 stop nearby. (See location on map.)

For more information, email carolyn.harmer@thames21.org.uk or call 07584 172209.

Come and join us in June to help rid the River Quaggy of litter and the invasive plant Himalayan Balsam.

The 3 Rivers Clean-up is an annual event enabling you to get stuck in and make a real difference to the quality of rivers in south-east London. QWAG is organising two events this year along the Quaggy:

Meet in the driveway of 13 Gilmore Road, Lewisham SE13 5AD.

Transport links: The meeting point is a 10-minute walk from Lewisham Station. Numerous buses serve Lewisham town centre, a 5-minute walk away.

Meet at the Eastdown Park / Weardale Road entrance to Manor Park. (See location on map.)

Transport links: The meeting point is a 20-minute walk from Lewisham Station. Buses 321, 261 and 178 stop near Manor Park.

You must book a place if you want to take part in either event (or both!). Email 3RiversCleanup@QWAG.org.uk or call 020 8690 0824. Please give the size of waders required by you or your party - you will need waders for these events!

The clean-ups offer a rare opportunity to see hidden parts of the river, but you will need to walk in the river and use steps or a short step-ladder to enter the river.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To find out about other clean-ups being organised by our partners along the Ravensbourne and Pool rivers, see the Thames21 website.

The Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has listed QWAG's work as "a great example of environmental action".

The HCA's Place Spotlight website showcases projects from around the country which have demonstrated best practice in creating vibrant communities and local environments. The case studies featured include the Quaggy's restoration in Sutcliffe Park, which was proposed by QWAG and carried out as part of the River Quaggy Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The website praises QWAG for demonstrating "the value of community involvement both in finding solutions to their problems [and] in defining what those problems are". It adds that local communities' close involvement in the project helped to "develop a more holistic and sustainable approach to environmental management that tapped into the knowledge of local people".

You can read the full case study on the Place Spotlight website.

The HCA's recognition of QWAG's work comes a year after we were a national runner-up in the prestigious British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) Awards for Community Inspired Regeneration. We reported on this award last year.

QWAG chairman Paul de Zylva said:

"It's great for our work in south east London to be showcased nationally. Restoring the natural role of rivers can help revive an area, prevent flooding and attract wildlife. Communities and councils around the country can now learn from QWAG's work.

"This recognition is a real boost as we recover from the unexpected death last summer of our chairman, Ray Manchester. This is a tribute to Ray and all QWAG members past and present."