Co-ordinated by Ian Walker, regular NKC trip leader & Colne Valley River Ranger, during the Big Paddle Clean Up Week, twelve Nomads gathered at 1000hrs on Sunday 12th June to carry out a clean up of the River Colne.
Armed with gloves, sacks, litter pickers provided by the British Canoeing ‘Clear Access Clear Waters’ campaign. Nine kayaks accompanied by two large Open canoes set off from the NKC Clubhouse in Rickmansworth Aquadrome and paddled along the Grand Union Canal joining the Colne near Tesco’s store at Frogmore wharf. The Open Canoes, crewed by Ian and Nigel in one with Rafael in the other, were used to store the accumulated rubbish collected by the Kayaks, which could flit in and out of overhanging trees in shallower water.
It was an enjoyable paddle on a lovely day made more pleasurable knowing that the activity was helping the environment. There was the occasional challenge where trees were almost blocking the river and just one dunking when an Open Canoe overturned negotiating a weir, fortunately no-one was hurt.
The debris collected included numerous beer and other cans, lots of plastic items (including a washing up bowl, a cone, roofing sheeting, a toilet seat lid and lots of small items) various polythene sheeting/bags, several coconuts and glass bottles (some broken).
In all, this filled the back of an estate car, disappointing as it isn’t long since a similar activity also filled an estate car. The items were taken to the local recycling centre. An everything was finished by 1400.
Well done Andy, Nigel, Simon, Sue, Russell, Chris, Dan, Steve, Karen, Rafael and Graham for turning out.
Ian Walker – Clean up co-ordinator
Great effort by all involved, Good to see a local club doing their bit, well done Nomads on the second clean up of the year.