The Big Paddle Cleanup is returning for two weeks of action to continue the mission to improve our precious blue places.
In 2022, an amazing 1,200 paddlers took part in a bid to clear their local waterways of junk and plastic pollution, while raising more public awareness of the issue.
The response was incredible. About 700 huge sacks were filled containing 2,123 single-use plastic bottles, 1,476 cans, 831 glass bottles and 3,296 food wrappers.
This phenomenal achievement did not go unnoticed. British Canoeing and its community of paddlers were recognised at the inaugural BBC Sport Green Awards for our efforts.
We want the Big Paddle Cleanup 2023 (27 May and 11 June) to be even bigger.
Combining social action through the Big Paddle Cleanup, with physical activity, is a fantastic way of bringing people together and improving our local surroundings.
– Chantelle Grundy, Access & Environment Lead
Chantelle Grundy said: “The Big Paddle Cleanup showed how much the paddling community cares about our waters and what they’re prepared to do to protect them.
“Combining social action through the Big Paddle Cleanup, with physical activity, is a fantastic way of bringing people together and improving our local surroundings.
“Together, as a team, we will continue to protect our waterways to do what we love.”
British Canoeing members who opted to Go Green will get an early bird opportunity to claim a complementary cleanup kit. Details will follow.
About 700 huge sacks were filled in total.
This year, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, one of British Canoeing’s commercial partners will be supporting the Big Paddle Cleanup.
They will be issuing spot prizes, which will include their beverages and other goodies ahead of the two weeks of action in May and June.
Peter Gowans, ERDINGER Country Manager, paddles on the River Thames and is determined to keep the water clear of plastic pollution.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting this campaign, especially as it is only made possible by volunteers giving up their precious time to clean up our waterways for the benefit of all the paddling community.”
