Disadvantaged children in Hounslow are invited to discover the wildlife and history of the River Thames this week.

A free fun time holiday activity week organised by the Thames Explorer Trust started yesterday (28), down by Chiswick pier with almost 40 children aged five to 11, experiencing some river dipping fun using nets to identify, catch and release creatures including crabs, shrimps and eels, followed by an afternoon session discovering birds and boats alongside a riverside treasure hunt along the Thames Path before making paper bird kites.

Children were also given an activity booklet to continue exploring at home.

Children discover river creatures with Thames Explorer Trust guides at Chiswick Eyot

The funded project for disadvantaged children is run by Thames Explorer Trust, an environmental educational charity, raising awareness through educating people about the river.

Two sessions will be held daily at different riverside locations from Isleworth in the west to Southwark in the east, until Friday, August 1.

Other activities youngsters can get involved in include discovering hidden treasures of the Thames (10am-midday) and catching river creatures at Fulham Palace  (12.40pm-2.40pm) on Thursday, July 31.

The following day (August 1) the guides will be in Isleworth for another morning of bird watching and riverside activities discovering archaeology and wildlife from 10am to midday.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The activity week has been funded by Capital FM’s Help a Capital Child and John Lyons Charity.

The next Thames Explorer activity week will be the Richmond River Ramble from August 11.

To book a place call 02087420057.

Thames Explorer Trust were also at Chiswick Pier Trust's party on the pier on Saturday (26).

Before the holidays pupils from Oakland School in Isleworth swapped the classroom for a day out exploring the River Thames with members of Chiswick Pier Trust in conjunction with activities from Thames Explorer Trust.