Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Monday 7th July 2008

Make a difference to the environment

Each year, Thames21 work with up to 2,000 volunteers from the local community and the private sector. In 2004/05 volunteers helped Thames21 to deliver 52 clean-up jobs on London’s rivers, tributaries and canals. But it’s not all about rubbish!

Volunteers have also helped Thames21 to enhance wildlife habitats by planting reeds, installing bat boxes along the canalside and duck rafts on the Thames.

Thames21 also have a Canalkeeper and Riverkeeper volunteer network. The scope of their work is diverse, but can include: litter picking, keeping an eye out for wildlife in difficulty, graffiti removal, providing information and a friendly face to the public. Volunteers tend to be locally placed – both living and working near to their patch of river or canal.

Umesh Sharma, Thames21 Canalkeeper Volunteer, Southall, explains:

"I became a Canalkeeper Volunteer about three years ago when Thames21 visited the Shri Ram Mandir temple in Southall to talk about its work. It was the first time I had heard of Thames21 and the community aspect of the work interested me. As a Canalkeeper Volunteer, I get a group of volunteers, usually my family, friends and people from the local temple, and thoroughly clean our patch of the canal about every 4-6 weeks. I feel real ownership over our patch of canal (in Southall, behind the Hayes Bridge). Keeping the canal clean makes it a nicer place to visit and a lot more relaxing than looking at rubbish!

"Thames21 provide us with support and links to other organisations such as British Waterways. The work is not only practical, it’s also about making the whole community more conscious that they can make a positive difference to the environment. We regularly talk to local temples, schools, sports clubs and groups about taking part in our work. Volunteering shows the community that they can do something about local problems – and solving problems gives people confidence in other areas of their lives too."

To volunteer with Thames21 please contact:
Thames21’s Canalkeeper Co-ordinator Anton Hilton on 07920 697 021
Thames21’s Local Rivers Co-ordinator Matthew Loveday on 07920 230 970

All necessary equipment, boots and gloves will be provided by Thames21. A health and safety briefing will also be given when required. Volunteers are asked to simply turn up with old clothes and bags of enthusiasm!