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Riverkeeper Volunteers
Thames21's first Riverkeeper Volunteers set to work in 2004 on the River Cray in the London Borough of Bexley. Coordinated by Thames21's Riverkeeper Coordinator Ashe Hurst, the project is based on the successful and flourishing Canalkeeper Volunteers.
Since the Riverkeeper Volunteer network has been established, the improvement on the River Cray has been remarkable. Quarterly monitoring has shown that the River Cray is now between 87% and 92% cleaner since the first appraisal was carried out in March 2005. The types of litter removed include car tyres, shopping trolleys, car parts, scaffolding, white goods, tree trunks, traffic cones and plastic bags.
The Riverkeeper Volunteers keep an eye on the river and work with the Riverkeeper Coordinator to identify problems, and solve them quickly. They carry ID badges, equipment to tackle litter and wear an easily identifiable uniform. As well as regular monitoring of the River Cray, Riverkeeper Volunteers also provide a visible and reassuring presence on the river. By creating a safer and more welcoming environment, we aim to see an increase in the overall number of visitors to the Cray.
Riverkeeper Volunteers are local people who live and work in Bexley, and usually spend a few hours a week on the river or lending a hand at a clean up. Their duties include reporting litter and grot spots, caring for wildlife habitats, suggesting improvements to the Riverkeeper Coordinator, encouraging the public to respect the river and contributing to monthly monitoring reports around problems of litter, graffiti, dog fouling, vandalism, unlicensed or out of season angling.
The Riverkeepers have not only removed thousands of tonnes of debris and litter, but by working closely with the Environment Agency, Thames Water & Bexley Council, have helped to greatly improve water quality. The Riverkeepers and Wild Trout Trust have also begun working on plans to restore the river habitat and provide suitable conditions for the Wild Brown Trout & Grayling.
Interested in joining the Bexley Riverkeeper Volunteers?
Our Riverkeeper Volunteers can spend a few hours a week on the river or just lend an occasional hand. For more information about getting involved, get in touch with Ashe Hurst, Riverkeeper Coordinator, on 07968 805751.
Take a look at our calendar of events page and see what future events we have planned along the River Cray and surrounding areas.
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