Join in The Big Paddle Cleanup this June

We want everyone to have access to blue spaces and enjoy the many benefits of being out on the water. But our waterways are in crisis from all kinds of pollution. As paddlers, we can make a real difference to our blue spaces as we can access those hard to reach places and remove litter and other rubbish from our waterways. 

At least 2.1 million people paddle at least once a year, so imagine the positive impact we can have if we all rally together. That’s why we’re inviting the whole paddling community to join us for a week of action and help us to remove 1,000 sacks of litter from our inland and coastal waters. 

We are in a unique position as paddlers as we can collect litter and rubbish from places others are unable to access. By taking part in a paddle cleanup you’ll be:

• Helping to minimise pollution and improve the health of our waterways
• Helping to protect wildlife
• Connecting with nature
• Enjoying the wellbeing benefits of being in blue spaces

So show your support for our blue spaces in Wales by getting involved in Glanhad Mawr wrth Badlo / The Big Paddle Cleanup from 4 to 12 June.

We're pleased to have British Canoeing Instructor & Leader Clare Rutter, who regularly does her own paddle pickups on the River Teifi, supporting this campaign. Clare comments:

"I'm so proud to be supporting the Big Paddle Clean Up/Glanhad Mawr Wrth Badlo with Canoe Wales & British Canoeing as part of the Clear Access Clear Waters campaign, and I shall be hitting the waterways each day of this fantastic and vital event removing litter and making a difference wherever I can. We have such a beautiful world and are so fortunate to be guests within it, but it is slowly getting destroyed by intentional and unintentional pollution. As paddlers, whether as individuals or together as clubs, with our unique access we can make such a difference removing litter one piece at a time, raising awareness of and promoting what we do, encourage others to do the same and - just as importantly - report sewage and agricultural spillages. Together, we can reduce the impact of the tidal wave of 'chemical cocktails' impacting our world and all that live within it, not just during the Big Paddle Clean Up but beyond, and make every day a better day for us and our planet. How will you play your part?!"

So, without further ado, here's what YOU can do to help make a difference this June...

How to get involved

Organise a paddle cleanup! For helpful resources, click here.

Get your club to organise a paddle cleanup! We'll shortly be emailing our clubs with a form to request a free litter picking kit (see photo below) for those clubs that will be taking part in The Big Paddle Cleanup - either from 4-12 June or beyond.

Get that cleanup on the map! Once you have completed your paddle cleanup, log it here.

Help spread the word and join in the action. Don’t forget to use our hashtags #BigPaddleCleanup #GlanhadMawrWrthBadlo and tag @CanoeWales and @BritishCanoeing in your social media posts too so we can see your cleanups!

More info for Paddle Cleanups in Wales to follow shortly! In the meantime, you can check the Clear Access Clear Waters resources here:
https://clearaccessclearwaters.org.uk/bigpaddlecleanup/