Urgent action needed to transform blot on the riverscape

Environmental charity Thames21 is marking World Rivers Day on Sunday 30 September with a four day clean up of one of the River Thames's dirtiest beaches, and is urging Londoner's to help.

The 'Cleaner Thames Challenge' will take place at low tide on the Isle of Dogs, East London from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 September.

Last year, Thames21 identified this stretch of the River Thames as one of the most littered in London and have since carried out a dozen clean ups with hundreds of volunteers, removing over 40 tonnes of litter. From this site alone, Thames21 have cleared at least 30,000 plastic carrier bags clogging up the foreshore over the past year.

Thames21's River Programmes Coordinator Matthew Loveday said, "This littered stretch of the River Thames is a blot on the landscape, despite the improvements made. Thames21 needs as many volunteers as possible to help during the clean up and participants can do as much or as little as they like."

Thames21 will provide all equipment including boots, Health & Safety, 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 onsite

Interested in taking part?

To register your interest using the online form click here
Phone or email: Matthew Loveday on 020 7213 0160 / email

To download a poster (pdf) click here

Cleaner Thames Challenge dates and timings:

Thursday 27 September, 7:30am - 10am
Friday 28 September, 8:15am - 10:45am
Saturday 29 September, 9am - 11:30am
Sunday 30 September, 9:30am - 12pm

Meeting and Kitting Up Point

Newcastle Drawdock, off Saunders Ness Road E1
Click here for map
Nearest public transport: Island Gardens (Docklands Light Railway)

Cycle Parking

If you are travelling by bike, there is cycle parking outside the Greenwich Foot Tunnel in Island Gardens. There are also racks on Manchester Road by the Police Station.

Car Parking

Ideally, leave the car at home and travel by public transport or bike! If this is not possible, and you need to bring a vehicle, be aware that the area is a Controlled Parking Zone. The clean up is located in Parking Zone D with restrictions in place Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm. Pay and display are available (£2 per hour). To find out more visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk.