BEXLEY RIVERKEEPER VOLUNTEERS

1,700 hours of volunteering given to improve Bexley’s Rivers

Thames21, London’s leading waterways charity, has mobilised volunteers to contribute a staggering 1,700 hours to help improve the waterway areas in Bexley from October to December 2009, as part of the Bexley Riverkeeper Volunteers Programme.

Supported by Cory Environmental Trust in Britain and the London Borough of Bexley, the Bexley Riverkeeper Volunteers give up their time to help make a positive difference to the local waterways of Bexley. The programme has been running since 2005 and volunteers take part in activities such as the removal of tonnes of rubbish from washing machines to cars, to allow the river to run freely.

Over 40 volunteers assisted during this latest stage of the project, which has seen significant improvements made to the riverbank alongside the Footpath 106 in Crayford. Achievements have not only consisted of a large amount of litter removal, but also flood defence measures by clearing blockages and dense vegetation in the area. Additionally, by opening up the river bank areas the volunteers have helped to remove places that have previously attracted anti-social behaviour and crime, making them safer and more attractive to pedestrians and other users.  

The Riverkeeper Volunteers are also welcoming people to join in with some of the spring volunteering opportunities to improve the area (details below). All equipment and supervision is provided, and events promise to be fun and lively with a real team spirit!

Malcolm Ward, Chairman of Cory Environmental Trust in Britain, says: “The Cory Environmental Trust in Britain has been delighted to support the Riverkeeper Programme for the last two years and we plan to continue to support it. The work of the volunteers provides a great benefit the local community and hugely improves the quality of the river environment in Bexley.”

Cllr Bacon, Cabinet Member for Environment, London Borough of Bexley, says:
"Bexley has great waterways and we are very fortunate to have some really enthusiastic volunteers and the support of Thames21 to help improve them. However, like anything, if we had more people available to help – we could do even more. Being a Riverkeeper Volunteer is a great way of enjoying the local environment and really making a positive impact in your local community."

Ashe Hurst, Riverkeeper Coordinator, says: “These achievements would not have been possible without the hard work and good humour of all the Riverkeeper Volunteers who give up their time to make a difference to the waterways of Bexley. 130 sacks of litter were removed, as well as 43 concrete posts, 40 car tyres and several traffic cones. The area is now much cleaner and greener and will be enjoyed by all who use it. However, there’s still plenty to be done, so we urge anyone interested in getting involved to attend one of our forthcoming open volunteering days and get involved!”

SPRING 2010 PUBLIC VOLUNTEERING EVENTS IN BEXLEY ANNOUNCED

Anyone interested in becoming a Riverkeeper Volunteer should contact Ashe Hurst on 07968 805751 or email ashe.hurst@thames21.org.uk

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Media enquiries, images and interviews: please contact James Aldous on 020 7213 0166 or 07827 352675 or james.aldous@thames21.org.uk  

Notes to Editors:

Thames21 is an environmental charity (registered number 1103997) working to bring London’s waterways to life. Dirty rivers and canals reduce the quality of life for all, harm and kill wildlife, damage the environment and drive people away from vital open spaces.  London’s rivers and canals are precious natural resources providing green spaces for urban communities and habitats for wildlife.  Each year, with the help of around 8,000 volunteers, Thames21 removes over 1,000 tonnes of harmful litter from the River Thames, its tributaries and the canal network.  www.thames21.org.uk

Thames21 is supported by, and works closely with, the Port of London Authority, Thames Water, Environment Agency, Corporation of London, Keep Britain Tidy and British Waterways.

Cory Environmental Trust in Britain has supported the Bexley Riverkeeper Volunteer programme since the beginning of 2008, providing £98,000 in funding to support improvement works carried out by volunteers along with Thames21 staff on the Cray, Shuttle and Wansunt Rivers. The Trust is funded through the Landfill Communities Fund and supports community projects that are located within ten miles of a landfill site.

Cory Environmental Cory Environmental is one of the UK’s leading waste management, recycling and energy recovery companies, operating across the country and employing over 1,000 people. It provides a wide range of integrated services from street cleansing and municipal waste collection, to recycling, transfer and disposal. Cory’s services have been recognised with a number of awards for sustainable transport, the management of facilities and city cleanliness.