NEWS & BLOG

Our river clean was guided by Thames21 in Bishop’s Park, where we set out with our litter pickers and rubbish bags and began to uncover masses of unrecyclable and harmful litter such as cleaning wipes, plastic and general waste in the river bed. 

Even at one of our city’s most iconic waterways, this challenge is vast. All of us were struck by the overwhelming volume of wet wipes, in particular, hidden beneath the rocks and scattered across almost every step we took. Local environmental groups and volunteers, together with the Port of London Authority, now remove at least 200 tonnes of litter from the Thames every year, much of it plastic and single-use waste that harms wildlife and ecosystems.

While a sobering experience to see the reality of this, there was something quietly therapeutic about working together in nature, talking, laughing, and gently digging into the river’s edge.

Community member Karla’s reflections on the day: 

“Life has surprised me many times in the simplest places. Yesterday, by the River Thames near Bishop Park in Fulham, I experienced something I didn’t know I needed.

West London Welcome, a place that has become like a second home to me, invited me to join a river clean-up organised by Thames 21. I’ve volunteered in different areas since arriving in the UK, but this was my first time doing something like this.

I thought it would just be an hour of picking up litter, but it became much more. Standing on the riverbank, with the cold wind, the blue sky and the sound of the water, I felt a sense of calm I hadn’t expected. It helped me slow down and be present.

While I worked, I listened to the music my mother loved when I was younger, and it reminded me of the values she passed on to me – especially helping others. It grounded me and brought a quiet sense of gratitude.

I also met people who dedicate their time to looking after the environment. They might not seek attention, but they make a real difference. Being alongside them reminded me that everyone has something to offer, and every small action counts.

Now I understand why so many people write about rivers. There is something steady and reassuring about being close to the water.

Yesterday, I didn’t just clean the river. The river also cleaned me.” 

We intend to make trips like these a frequent occurrence. The river clean was a reminder of just how much small, mindful choices in our daily lives can either critically harm or protect our ecosystem, because what we put down our drains or leave on the street doesn’t disappear – it ends up in our rivers. It’s up to us to protect our waterways for future generations. 

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Nita Gula is Communications and Administrative Officer at West London Welcome.

Karla is a member of West London Welcome’s lived experience Advisory Board.