APOLOGIES - THE CLEAN UP ON SEPT 2 HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH LITTER REMOVAL EQUIPMENT. THIS CLEAN UP WILL BE RESCHEDULED IN NOVEMBER - EXACT DATE TBC

River clean up to help local wildlife

Thames21 is seeking volunteers to help clean up an East London dock on the River Thames in a bid to reduce litter and protect local wildlife in November, date tbc.

Earlier this year, Thames21 anchored five habitat rafts in St Saviours Dock by Tower Bridge in a bid to attract more wildlife to urban stretches of the River Thames. These habitats have proved a success with birds such as coots and ducks nesting on them.

High levels of litter in the dock can be a problem and items such as plastic bags remain in the environment for years, as well as posing a risk to wildlife through ingestion and suffocation.

Thames21's Enhancement Coordinator Vic Richardson said, "In Central London, we need to bring habitats to the Thames to attract aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, plants, lichens and insects, juvenile fish and nesting birds. Volunteers help us to reduce high levels of litter and protect the fragile river ecosystem."

The Tidal Thames extends for 96 miles from Teddington lock out to sea and is an incredible wildlife superhighway of great importance. The installation of small-scale habitats is one of Thames21's initiatives under Project Habitat, a unique programme of work with Kings College London Research Unit aiming to boost biodiversity on the Tidal Thames and find ways for plants and animals to establish natural habitats.

Species currently at risk on the Tidal Thames, or driven out completely include the Tentacled Lagood Worm (Alkmaria Romijni), the Hornet Robberful (Asilus crabroniformis), the German Hairy Snail and Triangular Club Rush.

Event Details

• November, date tbc
  
• Other information: Important: Please note that the only access to the dock is down a dock ladder which is steep. Using the ladder will require a certain level of physical fitness, and you must be comfortable using it. If you have any queries please contact Matthew Loveday who can discuss this with you.
• Click here for map
  
  Event Contact: Matthew Loveday 07920 230 970 by email
  
  Media enquiries Leigh McAlea at Thames21 020 7213 0166 / 07875 250 284