Help Keep The Water Flowing In And Around Wimbledon

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Join in local clean-up events during London Rivers Week

Help reclaim the rivers around Wimbledon by taking part in London Rivers Week from May 25-June 2.

 

Among the activities being planned by the South East Rivers Trust are the following local events:

 

Help clean up the newly restored section of the Beverley Brook as it flows through Wimbledon Common (pictured above) by removing plastic pollution and other litter to prevent it from harming wildlife and floating downstream to pollute the sea.

 

When? Wednesday May 29, 11am-3pm.

 

Meeting point: Car park at Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields, SW15 3DU.

 

What to wear? The events take place no matter the weather (within reason), so please make sure you dress appropriately in old clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Please wear either wellies or walking boots as you will be working along the river bank where it can be muddy, wet and slippery.

 

What to bring? Chest waders, gloves and all the equipment you will need will be provided. Bring along spare clothes in case you get wet, as well as a packed lunch and some water to drink. Hot drinks such as teas and coffees are provided.

 

Elsewhere, Himalayan balsam is a troublesome invasive plant that has taken over river banks across the UK and is affecting the River Wandle in Colliers Wood.

 

Favouring damp environments, balsam can form dense stands on the banks of rivers, suppressing the growth of native plants. In winter this becomes an issue as the plant dies back and leaves the banks vulnerable to erosion, increasing the inputs of silt to the river where fish need clean gravel to spawn.

 

When: Friday May 31, 10am-2pm.

 

Meeting point: The South East Rivers Trust gazebo will be located by the backwater in the park, you'll see it as you come in the Baltic Close entrance (SW19 2BL).

May 9, 2019