Mattresses and truck tyres were just some of the items hauled from a riverbed by hard-working volunteers at a clean-up aimed at improving the habitat for fish and wildlife.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Rubbish and fly-tipped household items were pulled from the riverbed. Photos: Molly Gadenz. 

Stonebridge Lock Coalition led the group of 20 volunteers who spent hours cleaning the River Lea which runs through Walthamstow Marshes and Tottenham Marshes.

The event on Saturday September 9 was supported by Cllr Tim Bennett-Goodman of the Higham Hill ward of Waltham Forsest, Lee Valley Regional Park rangers and employees form Themes21 environmental group.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

A spokesman for Stonebridge Lock Coalition said: “We are mindful of the state of the UK’s wildlife and alarming species decline due to loss of habitat and climate change.

“We are grateful to these organisations in supporting grassroots action by local residents to access our green spaces to improve habitat for wildlife and the quality of our recreational experience.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The group’s next big clean-up will be in October when they will take part in the Great River Rescue Campaign.