Environmentally conscious residents are being urged to help clean up their stretch of the River Thames.

On Sunday September 26, The River Thames Clean Up will take place across the Thames Valley area and beyond with the aim of cleaning up the river locally and raising awareness of the climate and ecological emergencies.

Events taking place on the day will help to restore the health of the river, cut down pollution, and protect and enhance the river’s cleanliness, biodiversity and natural setting.

Groups are not only being encouraged to hold river clean ups, but also to have information stalls and talks to raise awareness about issues such as water quality and sewage discharge, community involvement in river care, and how the river can benefit community wellbeing.

Councillor Jo Robb, River Thames champion at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “As a council, we prioritise protecting and restoring our natural world and are working with others to improve water quality and water safety.”

“It’s also important that communities can take action where appropriate, and the River Thames Clean Up will be a great opportunity for people along the river to come together and to help improve and maintain this wonderful natural resource.”

The River Thames Clean Up coincides with World Rivers Day, a celebration of the world’s waterways, highlighting the many values of rivers, increasing public awareness and encouraging us to take better care of them.

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