Huge amounts of oil that has found its way into the River Lea is taking its toll on wildlife along the waterway.

The Guardian Series reported earlier this week an industrial quantity of oil had made its way into the river after reportedly being dumped into a drain in north London.

The pollution has since spread, contaminating a stretch of the river running from Picketts Lock in Edmonton, through Walthamstow and Leyton to the edge of the Olympic Park in Stratford.

Wildlife has also been affected by the spill and conservationists at the nearby Walthamstow Wetlands nature reserve have reported sightings of a number of birds coated in oil.

The Environment Agency said it planned to complete its cleaning process by the end of this week. It is still attempting to find the people responsible for the oil tip.

However, if you are concerned about wildlife in the area and want to help with the efforts, there is a way you can get involved.

The Canal and River Trust, which has been assisting the EA during the incident, are now organising a series of volunteer clean-ups.

Anyone interested can sign up via email at: enquiries.london@canalrivertrust.org.uk.