The 2025 edition of Paddle UK's Big Paddle Cleanup has been a record-breaking campaign for more reasons than one.
The initiative aimed at keeping the waterways free of rubbish was held from May 24 to June 8 this year.
In terms of volunteers, a total of 4,065 people took part, over 400 more in comparison to the 2024 edition.
A total of 2,037 sacks of rubbish from canals and rivers were collected in two weeks as individuals, delivery partners, and community groups chipped in.
Among the waste collected were 6,826 plastic bottles, 2,002 glass bottles, 4,039 cans and 10,789 food wrappers.
The volunteers spent around 8,139 hours on the campaign focusing on a green and clean environment.
“It has been another incredible effort by everyone who has taken part,” Chantelle Grundy, Paddle UK’s access and environment lead, said.
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“As a team, we can’t thank you enough for your time and commitment to cleaning up our precious waterways.
“Thank you for sending us your data and the amazing pictures. I wish we could use every one of the photographs we received.
"What a truly remarkable community we have. Thank you again.”
Some of the biggest Canoe Slalom and Paracanoe stars were among the volunteers.
Paris 2024 medallists Kimberley Woods and Adam Burgess, and Mallory Franklin took part in the Lee Valley White Water Centre training base leg of the campaign.
Paralympic champions Charlotte Henshaw and Emma Wiggs and silver medallist Jack Eyers were involved in the Nottingham leg, along with Paracanoe team members Jonathan Young and Stuart Wood.
Click here for more information on the Big Paddle Cleanup
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