Effective deep clean of the lake

River Action Group volunteers picking rubbish from the lake

A deep clean of the lake by the Five Arch Bridge proved to be the latest successful project staged by the Friends of Foots Cray Meadows (FFCM).

Some 25 volunteers took part in the operation on Wednesday, February 18, aimed at making the water and banks safer for the soon-to-be nesting resident bird life – a feature that helps to make visits to the area so much more enjoyable.

The event, in conjunction with our local Thames21 River Action Group, involved using kayaks on the lake and volunteers kitted out in waders on what proved to be one of the coldest days of the year so far with temperatures only slightly above zero.

There was also an army of volunteers involved in a litter-pick, with the nearby St James Church’s Bothy being used as a headquarters for the day.

Irresponsible littering and illegal fishing have for years been problems around the 250-year-old Five Arch Bridge and the results from the venture proved how important it is to undertake such a clean-up.

It is now hoped that this could become an annual exercise.

Members of the River Action Group with kayaks provided by Ben Bullen Adventures

Items found and removed from the lake and banks included not only fishing lines, hooks and lures – which are so deadly to the birds – but also plastic drinks bottles, beer cans, tennis balls and general rubbish.

Some 15 bags were filled over the two hours of the operation, coordinated by the FFCM’s Michael Heath, Jacky Turner, Ray Hudson and Sid Wilkinson. The project involved bringing together numerous groups, who were only too pleased to add their support.

These included representatives from the police, London Fire Brigade, South East Rivers Trust and Greenwich Wildlife Network plus councillors and Bexley Council officers.

The cleaning effort produced many bags of collected rubbish

A huge debt of gratitude goes out to everyone who ensured the day went so smoothly, especially local businessman Ben Bullen, who provided us with the kayaks from his Ben Bullen Adventures firm that handles an array of activities for schools and families.

Michael Heath said, "My heartfelt thanks for everyone who made this a great event in support for the wildlife in the approach to spring and in reassuring visitors to the Meadows that things can be achieved. Thanks to all for getting the job done."

Ray Hudson and Sid Wilkinson with their Thames21 River Action Group volunteers undergo work on the meadows most Wednesdays throughout the year, carrying out a series of tasks – that include repairs, planting and general maintenance – to ensure the whole 270-plus acres remain such a wonderful place for locals to enjoy.

The FFCM would also like to thank Bexley Council for ensuring our bags of rubbish were collected within hours from the meadows. The local authority’s continued support of our projects and events, and in general the close relationship we have with its officers, is crucial to making sure many of our concepts become reality.