The Cleaner Thames Challenge is a 5 day litter blitz challenge on one of the most littered stretches of the River Thames foreshore in the Isle of Dogs, London. It will take place in September (details of dates below). The combination of silt and mud on this foreshore has trapped thousands of plastic bags which pose a serious risk to wildlife including dolphins and whales. With the River Thames being tidal, these bags can end up back out in the ocean!

The Marine Connection is supporting this 5 day clean up challenge and are calling on volunteers to take part to help remove the litter. Plastic bags can choke whales, seals, dolphins, turtles, fish and seabirds if they are swallowed - many species mistake them for food, floating in the water. Supermarkets give away millions of plastic bags each year but everyone can help reduce the amount of plastic bags that are used by taking their own bag with them and reusing it again and again.

Each UK household takes home 323 plastic carrier bags a year. These, potentially lethal, plastic bags can last for over 100 years in the ocean. The aim is to attract 500 volunteers over the 5 days. Low tide is in the morning and volunteers can join us for two hours or twenty minutes. It's up to you.

Your support will make a huge difference - for further information and to register email Matthew Loveday or call him on 07920 230970. Please mention the Marine Connection when registering.

Event Details/Times
Friday 8 September between 7:30am – 10:00am
Saturday 9 September between 8:00am – 10:30am
Sunday 10 September between 8:45am – 11:45am
Monday 11 September between 9:30am – 12:00pm
Tuesday 12 September between 10:00am – 12:30pm

If you arrive at the latest time stated you will have at least 30 minutes on the foreshore.

	Meeting point: Thames21 marquee on slipway by Poplar Rowing Club, Ferry Street, E14
	Nearest Transport: Island Gardens DLR