THE NEW NOMADIC LITTERPICKERS GROUP is a group of travelling boaters clearing-up the waterways wherever they are.
Their first litter-pick on Saturday 18th October, was on the towpath at Tottenham, but now they have had a day's litter picking on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Boat dwellers
The community of boat dwellers taking action to keep their waterways and nearby clean with this other effort on Saturday 22nd November in Trowbridge on the Kennet & Avon Canal, with Ffion Owen, a spokesperson for the group, explaining:
“As boat dwellers we are deeply connected to the waterways and their surrounding areas.
"We wanted to do our part to keep these spaces beautiful and accessible for everyone from boaters to walkers, joggers, gongoozlers and everything in-between to enjoy.
"It was amazing to see the community come together and work towards a common goal.
"Not only did we make a visible difference in the cleanliness of the area, but we also had the opportunity to connect with our fellow boat dwellers and neighbours.”
Multiple bags of litter
The Nomadic Litterpickers group collected multiple black bags worth of litter during the day, including plastic bottles, cans, and other rubbish.
The Nomadic Litterpickers commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond this recent litter-picking event. The group plans to organise regular cleanup efforts in the areas they travel to, with the goal of inspiring others to take action.
Lucy Wishart, a volunteer on the day told:
“We all use the canal—so we all do our bit. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up. This is our waterway. Let’s keep it that way.”
Nomadic Litterpickers events have also been held on the Lea in East London, and in Little Venice on the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal in Central London with further events coming up.
In everyone's interest
Pamela Smith, Chair of the National Bargee Travellers Association, explained:
"When liveaboard boaters arrive to moor at a new place they will often clear up any litter they find. It's in everyone's interest. Nomadic Litterpickers are a great initiative from the Bargee Travellers community.
"It's an example of why this community is worth defending against adverse changes in the law that Canal & River Trust may be considering, following its review of boat licensing."