National Maritime Museum volunteer to help improve London's dirtiest Thames beach

The National Maritime Museum is helping Thames21's bid to reduce levels of litter on one of London's most littered beaches on Sunday 3 June.

Thames21 and the Museum are appealing for volunteers to help clean up plastic bags, shopping trolleys, tyres, old metal works and more from the north side of the River Thames, the Greenwich Bend in the Isle of Dogs.

Matthew Loveday, River Programmes Coordinator said, 'This is one of London's dirtiest Thames beaches and last year, Thames21 kicked off a campaign to clean up Thames grot spots with a five day clean up. We removed 10 tonnes of litter, including around 25,000 plastic bags. We are now running regular clean ups on this site and levels of litter are gradually decreasing, although more work needs to be done. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers like the Museum, we are making real progress in the bid to restore this Thames beach to health.'

In between the litter, volunteers may even discover some archaeological treasures like old clay smoking pipes, roman tiles and coins on this Thames foreshore in Greenwich.

All boots, health and safety, gloves and other equipment is provided by Thames21. Wear old clothes.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday 3 June / 8.45am - 11:30 (low tide)
Meeting Point: North entrance of the Greenwich foot tunnel at Island Gardens
Nearest Public Transport: Island Gardens DLR
Event Contact: Matthew Loveday 07920 230 970
Cost: FREE
Other info: All children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult

For media enquiries and photographs contact Leigh McAlea by email or on 020 7213 0166