Today the Environment Trust's volunteers returned to Clitherow's Island at Boston Manor Park for another session clearing rubbish from the River Brent. Sadly, several fallen trees serve to trap numerous plastic bottles, footballs etc.etc. The river is also blighted by sewage pollution leaking into the river and a forest of the invasive and toxic giant hogweed. Today's photos were taken by volunteer photographer, Paul Franklin.
We 'kick sampled' for invertebrates, but only found pollution-tolerant species. Perhaps not surprising with sewage pollution coming from upstream, and burnt sofas in the river. As such, long-sleeved gloves are essential.
The rubbish island had started to reappear, but Patrick and his canoe are the secret ingredient for shifting it...
... plus, a man with a rake.
The familiar rubbish pile takes shape.
The Environment Agency say it could take five years to fix this diffuse pollution problem, which is five years too long.
Rubbish left by rough sleepers on the island is paradise for a colony of brown rats.
Still, the majestic trees ensure this place is still magical from a certain angle.
Together with this huge alder acting as a natural river engineer.
There are also some wonderful bluebell patches that fill the air with perfume.
Within a stone's throw of one of the most polluted rivers in London are multinational corporations such as GSK and Sky TV.
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