Nature Features

Thames21 has chosen the Isle of Dogs as the location for this year's clean up operation. The site, in the shadow of Canary Wharf, is one of the dirtiest stretches of river bank in London.

Volunteers are welcome to attend at any of the times listed below and will be provided with all equipment (including boots) during the sessions.

• Thursday 18 September 9.00am - 12.00pm
• Friday 19 September 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Saturday 20 September 10.00am - 1.00pm
• Sunday 21 September 10.30am - 1.30pm

The meeting point for volunteers is Newcastle Draw Dock, off Saunders Ness Road, E14, close to Island Gardens on the Docklands Light Railway.

The Cleaner Thames Challenge 2007

Last year, over 300 volunteers attended the operation and cleared over 11,000 tonnes of rubbish, including 25,000 plastic bags. Other finds included a gun, a pick axe, a bunk bed, scaffolding, 25 truck tyres, ten antique bottle stoppers and three WWII anti-aircraft shell cases.

Watch BBC London's report from 2007:

As well as making the Thames a cleaner and prettier place, Thames21 is stressing the importance of conserving the Thames for the river's wildlife and ecosystem.