Tired of seeing litter along the Thames? Want to make a real difference for our iconic river and its wildlife?
Following the conclusion of the Port of London Authority’s first ever Clean Thames Challenge (1-30 September 2024), we are delighted to announce the results from the 154 people who participated in the month-long event.
Why take the challenge?
Protect: Help safeguard the diverse wildlife that call the Thames home.
Improve: Reduce pollution and contribute to a healthier river ecosystem.
Connect: Spend time being active outdoors and appreciate the beauty of the Thames.
Build: Join forces with fellow Thames lovers who are passionate about the environment.
How does it work?
Gear Up: We recommend that you wear thick gloves and use a litter picker.
Pick Your Spot: Choose a section of the Thames you want to clean.
Clean Up: Head out anytime during September and collect as much litter as you can. There’s no one event, though we suggest, if it’s your first time, you join organised litter picks that you can find on our Cleaning the Thames site.
Choose your challenge!
The 10 times challenge – take part in 10 litter picks throughout the month.
The 10 minutes a day challenge – every day litter pick for 10 minutes throughout the month.
The 10 photos challenge – take 10 photos throughout the month; for example the river, the wildlife you see, or your litter haul.
The 10km challenge – litter pick along 10km of the river throughout the month.
Share your impact!
During the Clean Thames Challenge we’ll be watching out for your social posts to feature on the Port of London Authority accounts!
Photo ideas:
Before and after shots: Show the impact of your efforts!Group selfies: Capture the fun and camaraderie.Creative cleanup shots: Get artistic with your litter pick!Nature shots: Highlight the beauty of the Thames.
Tag @LondonPortAuth and use #CleanThames on Instagram!
Heads up! Important safety information!
The Thames foreshore is potentially hazardous and some dangers may not always be immediately apparent. The tidal Thames rises and falls by over 7m twice a day as the tide comes in and out. The current is fast and the water is cold.
Before going onto the foreshore consider:
🔹Wearing sensible footwear, hi vis vests and heavy- duty gloves
🔹Carrying a mobile phone in case of emergency
🔹Not going alone
🔹Have a good knowledge of the area being visited. Check for weather and travel warnings provided by the Met Office.
🔹The tide; is it rising or falling? Check our tide tools ahead of going out! And keep on eye on mobile.pla.co.uk while you are out!
If you see someone in distress in the Thames:
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
- Tell the person to float on their back
- Throw a life buoy or line
- DO NOT ENTER THE WATER
Pick your spot!
These locations have all been pre-approved by the Port of London Authority’s Harbour Master and Environment teams for ease of access, suitability, and safety for organised group clean up events.
Each location has been approved based on:
- Having good and easy access points to the location which does not present any dangers;
- Nearby available welfare facilities for hygiene;
- In an environmentally suitable area – i.e. isn’t a protected site (SSSI).
➡️ Find your litter-picking spot
🚶 No location near you? No problem! You can litter pick along the Thames Path National Trail or other suitable trails in Essex. (Find some on our ActiveThames site)!
Where to leave the rubbish you collect
Throughout the Clean Thames Challenge, we’ll have our yellow rubbish cages at sites along the foreshore. You can deposit your haul IN the cage and make sure the lid is fully closed. If the cage is full, you’ll need to leave the rubbish you collect at the nearest public bin or take it home.
❗ ⚠️ DO NOT leave any rubbish outside the cage on the foreshore. Make sure the cage is fully closed! The rubbish you spent time collecting could float back into the river when the tide rises. 😱
➡️ Click here to see where the cages will be from 1 September.
Thank you to our partners
The PLA is a participant in the Clean Thames Challenge (“the Challenge”) and the Totally Thames Festival (“TT Festival”). Attendance at and participation in the Challenge and Festival may carry some risks that we cannot entirely eliminate. These include the risk of personal injury, such as needlestick injuries, cuts, falls from uneven ground (although this list is non-exhaustive.)
The PLA requires you to:
- act responsibly and sensibly at all times
- not participate if you are pregnant or under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
- must follow any safety warnings or instructions displayed or given to you by those supervising the Challenge or TT Festival
The PLA is not qualified to express an opinion that you are fit to safely participate. You must obtain professional or specialist advice from your doctor before participating.
In the absence of any negligence or other breach of duty by us, participation in the Challenge and the TT Festival is entirely at your risk.