Thames21 stresses importance of environmental care despite current economic woes

Monday 1 December

Thames21 – London’s leading waterways charity – delivered its first ever practical training day on Monday 24 November, aimed at encouraging people from all over the UK to organize and deliver clean-ups on their local waterways. This was an ideal opportunity for Thames21 to stress the importance of not forgetting our environment and the wider green agenda in these times of financial uncertainty.

The day was made possible by the Keep Britain Tidy ‘Big Tidy Up’ Campaign and over 70 individuals attended the day free of charge. The day offered practical guidance and advice gathered from the charity’s 14 years of experience in running volunteer clean-ups.

The day featured staff and guest speakers including Charlie Porter (CEO, Thames River Capital) and waterway champion Roger de Freitas who spoke of the importance of looking after our waterways.

Thames21 is considered by many to be the natural authority when it comes to encouraging community engagement with local waterways, regularly working with around 4,000 volunteers each year on London’s waterways. This training day was an opportunity for Thames21 to share with others the knowledge and expertise gathered for the first time.

Debbie Leach, Chief Executive, Thames21 comments:
“Our first Training Day was a fantastic opportunity for us to share our experience and knowledge gained from these events with people from all over the UK. When disposable income is tight, we can still visit and enjoy our fabulous rivers and canals at no cost, even in London. Money can come and go, but our environment will remain throughout. Committing just our time and energy to improving our physical surroundings will ensure that we maintain our environment for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.”

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Media enquiries and images: contact James Aldous on 020 7213 0166 or 07827 352675 or james.aldous@thames21.org.uk  
Notes to Editors:

• Thames21 is an environmental charity (reg 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 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.
• Founded over 50 years ago, Keep Britain Tidy remains totally committed to working for the improvement of local environmental quality. An environmental charity which campaigns directly to the public, Keep Britain Tidy is grant funded by the Government through the Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It runs the Eco-Schools programme and administers the Blue Flag beach awards in England. www.thebigtidyup.org