Hundreds of paddle boarders and litter pickers will take to the Thames and towpaths of Richmond once again this year to clear plastic and other rubbish.

The paddle board and river clean up event will go from Kew Bridge to Richmond's River Lane on Thursday 9th September, starting at noon.

It was first organised in 2018 by Be Richmond, in response to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our rivers.

The event aims to highlight the problem of single use plastic, to clear existing plastic waste from the river and its surrounds, and to prevent future plastic pollution.

Be Richmond estimates that the 2019 clean was the largest community clean up event in the world, with local businesses, schools and even a team of homeless people all taking part together.

Ellen Amorina Storrar, Be Richmond Manager, told Nub News: "It's not just an event, it's a statement about the river, the environment, and plastic pollution.

"For Richmond the river is a key asset on a number of levels - from a business point of view it's important to have a clean river, but from an environmental point of view we also have a bigger problem here."

According to the Port of London Authority, plastic debris is now the most common form of rubbish found on the Thames and most of that plastic has only been used once.

Research by Bangor University found 84.1 pieces of micro-plastic per litre of water in the Thames and another study by the University of London and the Natural History Museum found that more than a quarter of fish in the Thames Estuary have plastic in their systems.

This will be the third time it has run as last year's event was sadly cancelled due to the pandemic.

This year numbers are restricted to 100 paddleboarders but it will still be a sight to behold.

On land, an estimated extra 100 litter picking volunteers will clear the towpaths on both sides of the river between Petersham and Kew Bridge.

The towpath activity is being organised by local charity Habitats & Heritage (one of the Mayor's chosen charities) and will include members of the homeless community.

Be Richmond Chair Ann Chapman-Daniel said: "We are delighted to host our first major live event since pre-pandemic.

"Get On Board is our signature event and encapsulates Be Richmond's core values regarding the environment, business and the community.

"The river showcases our beautiful town to the world and provides important jobs and recreational facilities. A clean, healthy river is vital to the success of the town.

"This year's event will bring the whole Richmond community together to say 'no' to plastic pollution in our waterways and provide a great fun event for participants and spectators alike.

She explains that Get on Board works on several levels: "The Thames is one of our town's greatest assets and a healthy river not only supports business and leisure activities it also helps sell Richmond to the wider world.

"For our businesses it provides valuable team building and CSR opportunities.

"Get on Board unites the whole Richmond community including residents, charities and businesses.

"However, the event also has a much bigger purpose. We are all responsible for our environment and our planet and Get on Board shows that Richmond is doing its bit."

The event: Get on Board – Say No to Plastic Pollution

Time: 12pm

Finish: River Lane, Petersham, Richmond

Everyone is invited to join on September 9 and there are still spots left for the towpath clean.

The route passes some of the area's most famous sites including Kew Gardens, Syon House, Isleworth Ait, Old Deer Park and Richmond Riverside.

Participants will collect plastic and litter – both on and off the water – along the route.

Want to get involved?

There are still places left for the towpath litter pick – find out more here.

OR you can join the waiting list for the paddleboarding.

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