Our March cleanup just south of Plough Lane felt more like a June cleanup, thanks to warm spring sunshine throughout the day. Accessing a deeper part of the river than usual via a ladder from the bank, our volunteers tackled enough carpet for the average home, several mattresses, a couple of shopping trolleys (naturally) as well as the everyday cans, rags, bottles and scrap metal that we all know and love.  

Heave, heave, heeeeeeeave!

 The water was exceptionally clear which helped with some wildlife sightings: a large friendly chub which loitered for most of the morning, and a number of eels.  See Duncan below in wildlife photographer mode, with Rigby wrangling the chub into a better position for his close-up:

Plenty of passers-by took an interest in our activities, and we passed on a number of leaflets to possible future volunteers.  Gideon was delighted with his new mode of transport.

The day ended with a few pints in the garden of the Leather Bottle. Congratulations to Nick, celebrating his 13th consecutive cleanup – only two to go to beat our current record-holder, Andy W, who apparently notched up 15 in a row some years ago!

Thanks to all our volunteers: Alan, Alex, Andy C, Andy W, Belinda, Diana, Duncan, Erica, Freya, Gideon, Jamie, Jane, Mike C, Nick, Nigel, Peter, Phil, Rigby, Rory, Sophie C, Sophie S, Stephen and Tom