The Thamesmead Canal Habitat Enhancement Project is a partnership between the waterways charity Thames21, Peabody and Bexley Borough focusing on enhancing the canal system – which has problems with littering and the invasive alien species Floating Pennywort – through offering professionally managed volunteering opportunities for local people.
Community Events to Date
Thames21 has delivered 6 events since November at Harrow Canal (Arnott Close) and Crossway Canal (Tump 52 and Crossway Park). These events have included a series of habitat maintenance activities such as clearing litter and invasive species from the system. In summary these events have attracted 25 people removing 59 large bags of litter. The volunteers also helped remove 3 scooters, several large woody debris, a slab of concrete pavement; multiple car parts including a wheel clamp, hub caps, 2 tyres and an exhaust pipe; the volunteers also removed a mattress, and a fridge/freezer, lounge chair and bean bag from the canals!
Upcoming events
Thamesmead World Wetlands Day
(http://www.thames21.org.uk/event/world-wetlands-day-in-thamesmead/)
2nd February, 9:30 am-12:30 pm: We will be working in the Crossway Canal and on the banks to remove litter that would normally fall into the canal. A talk will be given to provide a background of the significance of World Wetlands Day, followed by a litter pick, and then ending with a bird watch identifying local bird species. All tools and equipment provided, along with wellies, waders and protective gloves. We will also be providing refreshments including tea and biscuits. Please wear appropriate clothing to the weather conditions and you may also bring a packed lunch.
Venue: Curlew Close (near the entrance of Tump52), London SE28 8HT.
Please register your interest by contacting jessica.becher@thames21.org.uk
Thamesmead Crossway Park Canal Clean-up
(http://www.thames21.org.uk/event/crossway-park-canal-clean-up/)
9th February, 9:30 am-12:30 pm: We will be working in the Crossway Park Lake and on the banks to remove any rubbish and invasive weeds along the stretch. All tools and equipment provided, along with wellies, waders and protective gloves. We will also be providing refreshments including tea and biscuits. Please wear appropriate clothing to the weather conditions and you may also bring a packed lunch.
Venue: Crossway Park (Access from 38 Glendale Way), London SE28 8HA.
Please register your interest by contacting jessica.becher@thames21.org.uk
Thamesmead Harrow Canal Clean-up
(http://www.thames21.org.uk/event/thamesmead-harrow-canal-clean-up-4/)
16th February, 9:30 am-12:30 pm: We will be working in the Harrow Canal to remove any rubbish and unwanted plants along this stretch of water. All tools and equipment provided, along with wellies, waders and protective gloves. We will also be providing refreshments including tea and biscuits. Please wear appropriate clothing to the weather conditions and you may also bring a packed lunch.
Venue: 11 Arnott Close (near Christian Life Centre), London SE28 8BG.
Please register your interest by contacting jessica.becher@thames21.org.uk
Friends of Tump 53 Clean-Up
(http://www.thames21.org.uk/event/friends-of-tump-53-clean-up/)
24th AND 25th February, 10 am-4 pm: We will be working in and around the Tump to help with litter removal, vegetation clearing and restoring water back to the canal. All tools and equipment provided, along with wellies, waders and protective gloves. We will also be providing refreshments including tea and biscuits. Please wear appropriate clothing to the weather conditions and a packed lunch for the event. There will be a few breaks throughout the day for adequate rest.
Venue: Bentham Road, London SE28 8AS
Please register your interest by contacting jessica.becher@thames21.org.uk
This project is a partnership between Thames21 and Peabody, being delivered to connect people to the Thamesmead Canals. The Thamesmead Canal Habitat Enhancement Project has received investment from Peabody, Bexley Borough and more than £55,000 in funding from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB).
For more information please contact me Jessica Becher on 07500840596 or by email at
