A group of volunteers committed to improving the habitat for wildlife in the River Lea will hold a clean-up event as part of the national Great River Rescue Campaign.  

Stonebridge Lock Coalition hauled dumped mattresses and tyres from the river, which runs through Walthamstow Marshes, at their meetup earlier this month. 

The eco-conscious volunteers has been working with a botanist and a small mammal expert to improve the habitat for the resident mink as well as looking at ways to attract water vole.

Coordinator of the group Frances Dismore said due to the amount of rubbish and dumped household items lodged in the riverbed it may take years until all debris is cleared away.  

Ms Dismore said: “It is on the border of Waltham Forest and Haringey and this part of the river is really important for migratory birds.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“There is historic fly-tipping and items that can only be removed with a truck with a winch.

“We would like to do it once a month because we discovered there is an invasive plant, a floating weed, which we need to deal with.”

The group’s next clean-up will take place at 11am on Saturday October 14.  

Volunteers are asked to wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.

The group will meet at Sandpiper Bridge, just a short walk from Tottenham Hale station.

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