Thames21, London’s leading environmental charity for the waterways, is calling on volunteers to get involved in a series of events to launch the second phase of the project in Thamesmead that aims to put canals at the heart of community life.

Thamesmead has 7km of canal and five major lakes, all of which are owned and managed by Peabody, one of London’s largest and oldest housing associations.

The Thamesmead Canal Habitat Enhancement Project, a partnership between Thames21 and Peabody, will focus on enhancing various sections of the canals system in Thamesmead, this includes Harrow Canal in Arnott Close and Crossway Canal in Crossway Park.

This will mean the waterways will be an asset not just for wildlife, but for communities to enjoy as an amenity and as educational spaces.

The project, which has received investment from Peabody and more than £55,000 in funding from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB), aims to create new refuges for fish, nesting places for birds and turn the canals into havens for both nature and people.

Thames21 will develop relationships with schools, youth groups, businesses and residents to establish local environmental stewards for the long-term sustainability of habitats and waterways in the area.

Since November 2016, Thames21 have run 15 events, involving more than 60 volunteers.

These events have resulted in the removal of more than 150 bags of litter from the canals, as well as fridges, mattresses, several bikes and scooters.

Events run in March included installing a 20 metre long floating reedbed to Harrow Canal and 107 trees to green spaces such as Southmere Park.

Jessica Becher, Thamesmead Canals & River Cray project officer at Thames21, said: “The condition and maintenance of the canals was a key concern voiced by residents during a consultation when Peabody took over the management of Thamesmead in 2014.

“This demonstrates that these are clearly much loved spaces and that local people have a strong interest in improving and looking after their neighbouring waterways and environment.

“These values are at the heart of our work at Thames21 and, with our long-term connection with the area, we are excited to have this opportunity to work with residents and businesses in Thamesmead to bring the canals in that area to life.

“With the help of volunteers, schools, youth groups and families, we can turn these waterways not only into fantastic places for the public to enjoy and learn, but great places for biodiversity to flourish.

“Our work will be an important flagship project, spearheading local involvement to improve these much-loved Thamesmead features, increasing community involvement and a sense of ownership of these waterways.

“This will also create great opportunities for schools, encouraging teachers to use their outdoor surroundings for lessons.”

Peabody’s Executive Director for Thamesmead, John Lewis said: “Thamesmead’s 7km of canal and five major lakes make up some of the most unique aspects of Thamesmead. Our partnership clean-ups, which many residents help out with, are truly remarkable and make our waterways into ones that both wildlife and residents can enjoy.”

Angela Haymonds, CETB Trust Secretary, said: “The Trustees are delighted to be able to support a project which offers such fantastic opportunities for local residents to make a tangible difference to the environment in which they live, whilst learning new skills and meeting new people. We look forward to seeing further improvements as phase two of the project gets going.”

Volunteers are needed to remove rubbish and invasive vegetation.

For information, visit www.Thames21.org.uk/events

Alternatively, to learn more about activities, register your interest with Jess at Jessica.becher@thames21.org.uk