Canal Clean-up

Trust Thamesmead took part in their third Thames21 canal clean-up on Tuesday 24 August, as part of their new volunteering policy.

With the aim to rid the canal of excess algae and pennywort so it doesn't cut off the oxygen supply or stop the wildlife from heading in the direction they want to go in, as well as fishing out rubbish which can be harmful to wildlife and make the canal and footpath look more appealing to the human eye, seventeen volunteers waded through the water to pull out algae, whilst others picked up litter.

“We had a fantastic turn-out,” said Trust Thamesmead's marketing and communications officer Julia Hickson. “It was great meeting Thamesmead residents we had never met before as well as one resident from Plumstead, one from Croydon and a father and daughter from Hendon, who are all keen to help the environment.”, adding “We didn't find treasure as nine year old Sophie had hoped but volunteers did find everything from fast food wrappers and empty drink cans and bottles to a bundle of newspapers and a television.

“The wildlife of Thamesmead Town Centre's Butts canal can sleep tonight knowing that they aren't in danger of getting tangled in litter.”

“Thames21 is London's leading waterway charity whose aim is to engage with local community groups to come along and help volunteer in removing unwanted items from waterways in and around London. Working with the local community in Thamesmead (on Tuesday) unwanted items where removed from a part of the 7km stretch of canal network in Thamesmead. This achievement would not be possible without the help and support of organisation such as Trust Thamesmead, Gallions Housing Association and of course you the volunteers, who together make Thamesmead a cleaner and greener place for all concerned” Thames21's Waterway Champions Delivery Support Officer, Solomon Small.

More Thames21 clean-ups will be taking place in Thamesmead throughout September-we hope to see you there:

Tuesday 14 September
11:30am-2:30pm
Butts Wood Canal Clean-up
Meeting at Tump53 nature centre off Bentham Road

Sunday 19 September
9:00-11:30am
Butts Wood Canal Clean-up
Meeting at Tump53 nature centre off Bentham Road

Friday 24 September
11:30am-2:30pm
Southmere Lake Clean-up

Monday 27 September
11:30am-2:30pm
Butts Wood Canal Clean-up
Meeting at Tump53 nature centre off Bentham Road

Wednesday 29 September
11:30am-2:30pm
Butts Wood Canal Clean-up
Meeting at Tump53 nature centre off Bentham Road

Please contact Sol at Thames21 for more information T: 07826 913261.