River Thames Draw Off Litter Pick

Every year, the Port of London Authority opens the weirs at Richmond, so that they can carry out essential maintenance work to the Grade II* Listed, late-Victorian Richmond Lock. You may notice that, at low tide, the Thames returns to its natural levels, leaving large areas of the foreshore between Richmond and Teddington exposed.

Join Habitats & Heritage to help clear up the river Thames foreshore during the annual Draw Off litter pick.

What is it?

The Draw Off litter pick is a clean-up of the river Thames foreshore when the water is at its lowest level. 

What do I need to know?

The Draw off litter pick is a drop in event from 10am -1pm on Saturday 12th November. For groups we ask that you contact us in advance francesca@habitatsandheritage.org.uk

Meet the Habitats & Heritage team at Whittaker Avenue, Richmond for a short safety briefing and to collect equipment (litter pickers, waste bags etc.). We ask that you bring your own gloves if you can.

We recommend wellington boots and clothes that are okay to get muddy. There are areas of very deep mud on the foreshore so please do take care when you are taking part. Members of the Habitats & Heritage team will be on the foreshore supporting the day but please note all Under 18’s must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Why is it important?

We are all now more aware of the damages litter can cause to our nature and wildlife, than ever before. In 2019, Thames21 recorded that 78% of litter recorded in the Thames was single use plastic, with the 2021 figure increased significantly. Also, in 2019, within 100m of the tidal Thames over 1000 wet wipes were found. These not only are directly impacting wildlife they are also changing the shape of the riverbed. It has been found in Barnes the riverbed has risen by nearly a meter in the last few years due to wet wipe build up.

So why not play your part in combating these devastating effects and be sure to continue to avoid single use plastics and reduce the litter in our waterways by taking part in our litter pick.