MEMBERS of the Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club (WYCC) have cleared over two miles of the River Avon of rubbish.
A group of more than 20 youth paddlers from the club, aged five to 16 years old, took to their canoes for a pirate-themed river clean-up, supported by a group of parents, who on foot collected litter along the banks of the river.
The clean-up was inspired by club member, eight-year-old Austin, who is new to the sport of kayak.
“Austin turned his practice paddle into a game to collect as much litter as he could whilst learning control of his kayak as he progressed along the river, in and out of the reeds and trees along the riverbank,” explained the club.
“River cleans are one way in which, as canoeists whilst on the water, we can help protect our precision river environments for the benefit of wildlife and the wider community in Melksham.”
The clean-up event was also timed to help prepare the area for the upcoming Melksham Food and River Festival, which takes place this weekend on Saturday 4th September and Sunday 5th September. WYCC will also be hosting demonstrations at the festival.
The club reports, “Over two miles of riverbank, from WYCC clubhouse upstream, from the water and dry land were cleared of litter (plastic bottles, can, food packaging, wine/beer bottles etc).
“This litter gets stuck in the reeds and plants along the river causing damage to the natural environment and poses risk to wildlife, plus it looks terrible to anyone enjoying this beautiful river wild area in Melksham.
“The young paddlers, some dressed in their pirate headgear, searched in the reeds, trees and other riverbank vegetation to remove the litter by seeking on this day their ‘pirate treasure’.
“Paddlers collected the ‘treasure’ into the larger canoes into ‘treasure chests onboard these pirate ships’. They used all their skills to manoeuvre their kayaks and canoes and worked their way upstream.
“They spent around two hours on the water. Coming back downstream to the WYCC clubhouse they double-checked for any other litter and had opportunity to admire the beautiful river environment with no litter insight.
“Meanwhile parents from the group worked their way along the riverbank along the path also collecting litter. This sweep of the area helps prevent more litter from entering the river which is important for the wildlife and the whole ecosystem of our rivers. It was a superb team effort.”
WYCC is a club for young people aged 5 years and upwards to learn paddling skills in a friendly and inclusive environment. There are many routes for development from leadership to racing. The club has a strong history of members gaining selection for GB teams in a number of the canoeing disciplines. The club is located in the centre of Melksham in the King George V park and on the banks of the beautiful River Avon.
More information can be found on the club’s Facebook page: www.facebook. com/WYCCMelksham
