After several visits to Clitherow's Island, at last it feels like we're getting to the end of removing the 'rubbish island' from the River Brent. Today we were joined by members of the local canoe club at Brentford, who were able to manoeuvre around the fallen tree that had been trapping the rubbish. While woody debris is good for rivers, the lack of management of this stretch of river, had resulted in a build-up of rubbish washed downstream. Our volunteers also got their waders on, and worked hard to remove more metal work and other debris from the river, to enable the gravel to be exposed and provide spawning habitat for fish. Regular management of the site is needed to ensure that the situation doesn't deteriorate again, so we'll be back in early 2014 to continue the work. Sadly, the sewage pollution into the river at Boston Manor Park is still to be stemmed, so it'll be necessary to keep an eye on this. Despite this, again a brightly-coloured kingfisher was spotted streaking low above the water - a sight to really gladden the heart.
Volunteers from the local canoe club at Brentford came along to help clear rubbish out of the river.
'Tis the season for mushrooms.
Phil and Mel continue the task of removing deeply embedded rubbish, some perhaps originating from the M4?!
Non-native Pyracantha brings a splash of colour to Clitherow's Island.
The 'Rubbish Island' is no more, and all we're left with is healthy large woody debris.
Contrast the above with this photo taken just two months ago in August.
Less rubbish means we're making progress. Removing the metal railings embedded into the river, took two people almost two hours - that's dedication! Thanks, Phil.
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