VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

The Deep Clean 2009
on the lowest tide of the year



Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March 2009
Isle of Dogs, East London

London’s leading waterways charity Thames21 will deliver the first DEEP CLEAN this year on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March on the Isle of Dogs, East London.
Taking advantage of the lowest tide of 2009, Thames21 is appealing for volunteers to help make a lasting difference to one of the most littered stretches of foreshore in London.

The low tide also coincides with the closure of the Thames Barrier meaning longer access will be possible to the foreshore. Volunteers can participate in as much or as little as they are able to, and help make a real difference in this area.

The Isle of Dogs is one of the most littered sections of the River Thames - most of the rubbish in the area being plastic litter – predominantly plastic bags. These bags originate from all across London; they are carried downstream by the river and accumulate on this inside bend.

From this area alone, Thames21 and volunteers have cleared at least 30,000 plastic carrier bags clogging up the foreshore over the past year but there is still much to do to improve this site.

Thames21 has been cleaning the Isle of Dogs foreshore with volunteers for over five years and in this time it has become dramatically cleaner. On the days of our ‘Deep Clean’ the tide is a lot lower than normal which presents a great opportunity to tackle lower areas of the Thames foreshore that are usually covered by water.

Those volunteering will get the chance to give something back to London’s environment, have the rare chance to get onto the foreshore, meet like-minded people and get a new perspective on London’s waterways.

Volunteers are welcome to attend at any of the times listed below and will be provided with all equipment and guidance during the sessions.

Thursday 12 March 8.00am - 11.30am
Friday 13 March 8.30am - 11.00am

Location
Meeting point: Newcastle Draw Dock, off Saunders Ness Road, E14.
Nearest tube: Island Gardens (DLR) is just a short walk away.

Thames21 will provide all equipment including boots, health & safety briefing and support, rubbish bags and litter collection. Volunteers should wear old clothes appropriate to the weather. An adult must accompany people under the age of 16. Bottled water and toilets will be onsite.

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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 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 4,000 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, Encams and British Waterways.