July 16, 2019 9.49 am This story is over 56 months old

Recycled plastic kayak used to clean Lincoln canal

Over the past year, people have volunteered over 21,000 hours
The recycled canoe in action. Photo: Nick Rawsthorne

A kayak made with recycled plastic collected from Lincoln waters was in action to clean up another canal in the city centre.

Anglian Water developed two of the kayaks, and one has a permanent home with the RiverCare team which meets monthly.

On Saturday, July 13 the group collected over 20 bags of rubbish from Sincil Drain along with 50 invasive Himalayan Balsam Plants.

A team of dedicated volunteers. Photo: Nick Rawsthorne

Photo: Nick Rawsthorne

Nick Rawsthorne, one of the RiverCare volunteers and group photographer, said: “This kayak is actually built using recycled plastics, so it is actually good proof that if plastics are disposed of correctly, they can be reused into useful products.

“The kayak proved extremely easy to use and allows us to get into tight spaces and reed beds without damaging the local flora.

“We were also able to go onto the banks of the Sincil Drain to make a start clearing any inappropriately discarded rubbish and to start pulling the Himalayan Balsam which is now growing along the banks.

“I applaud all those who helped on the day, you did a grand job and Sincil Bank looks much better for your efforts.”

Can I have my ball back? Photo: Nick Rawsthorne

Photo: Nick Rawsthorne

The next Sincil Bank RiverCare event is scheduled for Saturday, August 17. Get involved and find out more information by sending an email to here.

Regan Harris from Anglian Water said: “Our successful RiverCare and BeachCare programme, sees volunteers from across the region coming together to rid their local rivers and beaches from litter and plastics.

“Over the past year, 45 groups have volunteered over 21,000 hours, collecting more than 50 tonnes of litter, much of it plastic from our rivers and beaches.”

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “It is fantastic to see plastic being removed from our environment and being put to good use helping to protect our rivers and oceans from further harm.”