Roe Clean Up 2013 attracts volunteers

Volunteers pictured with some of the debris and litter collected from the Roe after this year's clean up. It is hoped to organise another litter pick along the River Roe in October. If you are interested in organising a riverside litter pick along a stretch of the River Roe contact Art Niven at art.niven@loughs-agency.org — Volunteers pictured with some of the debris and litter collected from the Roe after this year's clean up. It is hoped to organise another litter pick along the River Roe in October. If you are interested in organising a riverside litter pick along a stretch of the River Roe contact Art Niven at [email protected]

The third annual litter pick in and along the River Roe was held recently. Around thirty people from various local organisations involved in the operation to remove as much litter as possible from in and along the River Roe.

Volunteers included around fifteen canoeists from the local Causeway Coast Kayak Association with their canoes. A combination of bank based and canoe based volunteers provided the perfect platform to access and remove a large volume of plastic and other waste from the river corridor. Members of Roe Angling Limited picked litter from along the flood banks and left the bags for the canoeists to pick up as they travelled downstream. The canoeists were also able to pluck plastic bags and other debris hanging from trees along the riverbanks.

The River Roe is a beautiful river designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) at a European level. Utilised by local people and visitors to the region it is worrying how many people treat the river and wider environment with such contempt. The message on Saturday was that there are many people who do care about their environment who want to get active and make a difference. Don’t let the litter bugs win, get out and get active.