Volunteer Clean Up

[boatone]

Sorry for quoting this here in full but I cant find the document online:

London’s leading waterway charity looks upstream

29 March 2011

London’s leading waterway charity, Thames21 has launched an exciting new project on the non- tidal Thames, with the support of the Environment Agency and the Waterways Trust.

This project is the first on the non-tidal Thames, and will focus on environmental enhancements and litter management through local community engagement.

The Upper Thames Project is in direct response to clear community demand for environmental and general improvements on the River Thames, upstream from Teddington Lock.
The charity will work with the Environment Agency and The Waterways Trust to run a one year practical pilot which aims to build and expand a team of passionate individuals and groups living and working around the river. The project will actively engage them in hands-on activities to improve the environment and shape effective long term action.
Thames21 River Programme co-ordinator Chris Coode said the project is an important step for Thames21.
“This is the first time Thames21 has worked on the Upper Thames, which means there is a lot of work to do, but also huge potential for really positive environmental and community improvements to be made,” he said.
“It is fantastic to have the support of the Environment Agency to extend our reach even further, and continue our efforts to improve all of London’s rivers, and connect people to their waterways.”
Karen Jouny, Waterways Development Officer from The Environment Agency said: “We are pleased and excited to be working on this new joint project with Thames21.
“This project on the Upper Thames is a great step towards promoting the important work Thames21 does along the river, and it highlights the positive effect such work has on local communities and the river environment.”

Sites will include: Sunbury Lock, Desborough Island, Penton Hook Island, Cookham Lock, and Caversham in Reading.
The first event for this project was held at Sunbury Lock, with around 10 enthusiastic volunteers removing 20 bags of rubbish, one cone, one barrier, two garden chairs, two metal bars, one hoover, one oil tub, one knife, one grapple, and a few other exciting unidentifiable items.

The next event is a litter-pick along the Dorney Towpath planned for Friday April 1 between 11am and 2pm. Volunteers are welcome to turn up on the day, meeting at Boveney Lock at 10.45. This is an open event. Under 16s should be supervised by an adult.

To get involved or for more information, contact Luke Damerum, luke.damerum@thames21.org.uk or ph: 07824 491 166.
Follow the blog @: thames21utp.tumblr.com

Check thames21’s calendar of events www.thames21.org.uk/events

 

[boatone]

Just in case anyone is passing this off as an April Fool's post I think it's worth emphasising that it's not. The information is actually dated the 29th March but only came into my possession this morning.

I have emailed Thames21 to suggest they might like to come on here and keep us in touch with what they are doing.