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Help clean up the Olympic waterways

8th Feb 2012

An Olympic gold medal rower has today launched an appeal for volunteers to help clean up east London’s waterways in time for the 2012 Games. British rower, Mark Hunter, who won gold in Beijing, and is going for gold again in London, is encouraging Londoners to get involved with The Big Waterways Clean-Up.

The campaign aims to transform 50 waterway locations along 30km of canals and rivers by July 2012, when the eyes of the world will be turned on the capital. It hopes to get at least 4000 people involved, attending more than 80 events, including walking litter picks, wildflower meadow planting and invasive weed species removal.

Inspiring canals and rivers

Mark says: “The rivers of London are what first inspired me to take up rowing and are now obviously a huge part of my life. I feel quite privileged to have such access to rivers, and I think we have a great responsibility to look after them. I urge all Londoners to get involved in the Big Waterways Clean Up 2012 and help improve these amazing spaces and create an example for the world this summer”.

Waterways minister Richard Benyon was present at the launch and said: “Rivers are a much loved part of where we live and the Big Waterways Clean Up is an excellent example of how communities can turn their local environment into an area they can be proud of. I am delighted that I have been able to give a helping hand to clean up what will be a focal point for visitors when they come to London to visit the Olympic Games.”

The Big Waterways Clean-Up is being led by environmental charity Thames 21, working in partnership with British Waterways, London Waterways Commission, Environment Agency, London 2012 Changing Places programme, Mayor of London, Team London, British Waterways, Olympic Park Legacy Company, Port of London Authority, London Councils, City of London Corporation, and the Inland Waterways Association.

You can find Big Waterways Clean-Up events by visiting the waterscape events pages and searching for ‘London’.

Last updated: 09/02/2012

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