Mountains of marine litter float up the River Lee every week.

Now a unique group of environmentally aware locals are getting together to remove rubbish from the parts of Cork’s riverbanks that cannot be reached safely by foot.

Organised by local eco-warrior David Ludgate, aka Subowti, and Clean Coasts, a programme operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, a Kayak & Stand Up Paddleboard River Clean-Up will take place on Saturday, June 12th.

Open to experienced kayakers, canoeists and stand up paddleboarders, the ‘paddle and pick-up’ will see participants set out on the river for a coordinated clean up from 11am to 3pm, meeting at the Lee Fields Car Park on the Carrigrohane Road.

“Please bring suitable clothing (including PFD) and your own kayak/canoe/SUP.” said Subowti.

 

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“Bags, gloves, pickers will be provided. Participants must be competent and confident to take part; no training will be provided. Clean Coasts will have an information stall set up to interact with people on the shore.”

You can register for free here.

If land-based activities are more your cup of tea, a second event will take place in Blackrock on the same date. The Blackrock Clean Coasts Clean-Up will run from 10am-12pm on Saturday, June 12th in line with current Covid-19 public health guidelines.

If you would like to attend, email your name and mobile number to cleanblackrock@gmail.com by 5pm on Friday, June 11th.

Main image: Subowti