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3RiversCleanup

Thank you

Many thanks to everyone who took part in this year's 3RiversCleanup. 470 of you, over 2 weeks in May and June, put a total of 1,542 volunteer hours into improving our rivers.

The remarkable success of this annual event is down to all those who donned waders and threw themselves into removing Himalayan Balsam and having fun!

Photos

Here is a slide show that encapsulates this years event: www.flickr.com/photos/3rcu/2011

And here is a view on the 2010 event: www.flickr.com/photos/3rcu/2010

You can see pictures, from all events here: www.flickr.com/photos/3rcu/all

About 3RiversCleanup

Jess triumphantly holding up Himalayan Balsam plant

The 3RiversCleanup is now in its third year. Already the event appears to have achieved one of its main aims - to bring Himalayan Balsam under control.

Environment Agency spokesperson Joanna Heisse said: "The success of the 3RiversCleanup in targeting Himalayan Balsam is quite remarkable."

This fantastic achievement, is down to the enthusiasm of volunteers and the impressive broad partnership that facilitated 3RiversCleanup.

The 3RiversCleanup is a 2 week volunteer event on the three rivers of the Ravensbourne catchment, in SE London - the Pool, Quaggy and Ravensbourne. Map

Why are we removing Himalayan Balsam?

Himalayan Balsam is a non-native plant that is invasive. That means it tends to crowd out other plants creating river banks that only have one kind of plant on them.

This lack of diversity results in a corresponding lack of biodiversity. In addition Himalayan Balsam dies in the winter meaning river banks are exposed to increased erosion.

It's not over

If you've had fun and are worried we might stop because there was so little Himalayan Balsam to clear this year - don't worry.

To maintain our control over Himalayan Balsam we will need to continue to look out for it each year. Also, the 3RiversCleanup is about more than controlling one non native invasive.

It's about enjoying our rivers too

Gilmore Park - looking through culvert at 2 people in river

Beyond controlling Himalayan Balsam, the 3RiversCleanup is about anything we can do for our rivers to make them better for both wildlife and us (the not so wild life!).

It's also a chance to discover our rivers, take ownership of their wellbeing; and to just have fun with them.

See you next year...

Look out for next year's 3RiversCleanup and be sure to book onto one of the sessions. It will take place again, around the end of May and beginning of June 2012.

Matthew Blumler (Chair 3RiversCleanup partnership)

Matthew@QWAG.org.uk

If you took part in the 3RiversCleanup and would like to make a comment send your email to 3RiversCleanup@QWAG.org.uk

3RiversCleanup 2011 partners:

 

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