The Westcountry Rivers Trust is inviting people to help look after our local rivers. The environmental charity is organising monthly river clean ups to clear litter and debris from our waterways, as well undertaking improvement works to restore natural habitats.
Held in locations across Devon and Cornwall on the first Sunday of every month, the events are open to all. As well as helping to remove rubbish, volunteers can get involved in basic restoration work, such as cutting back trees that are reducing light in the rivers. Participants can also learn about the work of the Westcountry Rivers Trust, by spending time with members of the team, who care for rivers across the South West.
The first event was held near Launceston, on the River Kensey and the next event will be held on Sunday 7th October near Truro, on the River Fal.
Organiser Bruno Vincent of the Westcountry Rivers Trust said: “Here at the Westcountry Rivers Trust we nurture and restore rivers across the region. It’s a huge task and one that we could not hope to achieve without the help of volunteers. The aim of our First Sunday River Cleanups is to encourage even more people to get involved with our work and discover how rejuvenating it can be to spend time on the river.
“By helping out in such a hands-on way, we hope people will come away from these events with a greater understanding of how to care for our rivers.”
Working collaboratively with landowners and anglers, the Westcountry Rivers Trust has gained access to stretches of river that are not usually open to the public. This will not only give volunteers the opportunity to discover new places but will also improve conditions for fish in popular angling spots.
Bruno Vincent added: “In recent years, beach clean ups have become increasingly popular and many people are concerned about plastics entering our ocean. One way that plastic and other rubbish enters the sea is through the rivers, so we hope to inspire people to join us and take it out before it reaches the ocean.
“While the river clean ups will undoubtedly benefit wildlife, especially fish, we hope volunteers will also enjoy the experience of doing good while spending time outdoors and learning something new.”
Anyone interested in attending the next First Sunday River Cleanup can meet at Tregony carpark at 10am on Sunday 7th October. Volunteers are encouraged to wear waterproofs, and bring waders if they have them. More details can be found on the Westcountry Rivers Trust Facebook page, or by calling the Westcountry Rivers Trust on 01579 372140.