Our new research show that, without action, an estimated 39 million items of litter would accumulate on our waterways and their adjacent towpaths each year, with plastics accounting for around 40% of litter recorded. Annually, we spend more than £4 million doing what we can to manage litter and fly-tipping, with 200,000 volunteer hours devoted to keeping canals clean and welcoming.
The research
The research also shows an estimated 2.6 million people have picked litter on our waterway in the past year. Building on this collective momentum, we have launched The Little Canal Litter Pick, encouraging people across England and Wales to take micro actions and log their litter-picking efforts on an interactive map that will help identify litter hotspots across the network.
Britain's canals are far more than historic waterways. Together, they form the UK's largest connected network of freshwater habitats, providing vital corridors for wildlife across the country and through urban landscapes. Yet millions of pieces of litter find their way onto towpaths and waterways each year, harming wildlife, damaging habitats and affecting places enjoyed by millions of people. Protecting these waterways from litter is essential to safeguarding the environmental, social and wellbeing benefits they provide.
A terrific place to start
Ranvir Singh, our ambassador, said: “When it comes to the environment, many of us feel helpless about what individual actions we can take and whether we are doing enough to make a difference. I can tell you that this is a terrific place to start and something we can all do.
“As a charity caring for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, the Canal & River Trust is fortunate to have incredible volunteers and supporters who already give their time to look after their local waterways. In fact, millions of people have picked litter on our waterways over the past year alone.
“But the challenge remains huge. The Little Canal Litter Pick is an opportunity for even more people to get involved, whether that's collecting a single piece of litter or a full bag. By putting those efforts on the map, we'll be able to demonstrate the power of community action and build a better picture of where support is making a difference."
A vital home for wildlife and a beautiful place to enjoy
Campbell Robb, our chief executive, continued: "Today's canals have become vital habitats for wildlife and beautiful places for people to use and enjoy. The Trust is already tackling litter through volunteer clean-ups and innovative approaches including litter boats, bubble barriers and the WasteShark aquatic drone. But we need to do even more and evidence from local volunteer groups shows that sustained community action makes a real difference."
Help us identify litter hotspots
With litter and fly-tipping continuing to place significant demands on our resources, The Little Canal Litter Pick, running until 3 November, aims to create one of the most comprehensive pictures yet of community action on the nation's waterways. By recording litter picks on an interactive map, the campaign will help us identify litter hotspots, showcase the impact local people are having in protecting canals and rivers, and better understand where support is needed most.
The campaign has been made possible thanks to funds raised by players of Postcode Lottery.
To take part:
- Pick up litter safely using gloves and/or a litter picker.
- Record your litter pick on the interactive campaign map.
- See how your contribution adds to the efforts of others across the country.
