The River Thames is one of the world’s most iconic rivers and home to an abundance of thriving wildlife, including over 100 different species of fish, more than 300,000 over wintering birds and several thousand seals. Regrettably, the last half century has also seen the river become filled with ever increasing quantities of litter.

The PLA, along with other partner organisations, are committed to tackling this issue holistically. The Thames Litter Strategy was developed in consultation with organisations part of the Thames Litter Forum, as a way of setting out the context for future action on litter in the Thames environment.

In 2015, the PLA launched the Cleaner Thames Campaign. The campaign’s main objective has been to reduce the amount of litter collected in the Thames by changing people’s perceptions on littering and its effects on the river. Launched and fronted by explorer Paul Rose, the campaign has involved a variety of materials including films, posters and art installations. The campaign also engaged with the organisers of many of London’s popular sporting events to further spread the message and to minimise event related litter entering the Thames.

To achieve our target of getting 75% of the Thames foreshore graded B or above (predominantly free of litter) by 2022. The PLA have launched this website to provide a central place for viewing/ booking litter clean-ups on the tidal Thames, while also creating a database for which future reports and strategies can draw on.

Find out more about the Tidal Thames’ Litter strategies and campaigns: