Thames21’s Adopt-a-River (AAR) scheme was set up to enable Londoners to look after their local stretch of river, and to help keep it clean with the support of Thames21. Today, AAR groups made up of local people and businesses, stretch along the river Thames and its tributaries.

If you’re fed up with the condition of your local river, forming an AAR group (we’d say 5 people upwards) is a great way to take positive action to clean up your environment. It’s not just about litter picking. It’s also a way to learn more about conservation and your local area, to meet members of your community and to feel part of a ‘bigger picture’.

Events don’t have to be about cleaning up, they can be a celebration of the river: foreshore barbecues, fishing competitions or guided walks along the foreshore.

Thames21 provide everything you need for a litter pick: the equipment, insurance and Health & Safety instruction. Plus, we’ll help you publicise the event locally to get as many hands on deck as possible. Thames21 arrange for the Port of London Authority or Local Authority to remove the litter you collect.

Anyone can adopt a stretch of river. We can offer advice, support on clean-up days, training and publicity. To find out more about setting up or joining an AAR group in your local area contact River Programmes Coordinator Matthew Loveday or call him on 020 7213 0160.

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