Volunteer for the Chelmsford river clean up

A community event to clean up Chelmsford’s rivers is taking place on Saturday 8 June at 9am. The event aims to reduce litter pollution and protect local wildlife habitats and waterways.

Chelmsford is lucky enough to be home to five rivers, with two of them, the Chelmer and the Can, being iconic landmarks that pass through the city centre. Unfortunately, litter – both intentionally and unintentionally – can make its way into our waterways and without assistance to remove it, will disrupt habitats for local wildlife and pollute the water as it flows further downstream.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome!

A trolley found in the river on a previous river clean

Volunteers from the 2023 river clean session

Chelmsford City Council’s environmental sustainability team, part of the Love Your Chelmsford programme, annually organises an event aiming to bring together local people to assist with cleaning the city’s waterways and surrounding areas. In previous years, they have been joined by over 150 volunteers who have given up their time to litter-pick around the Rivers Can and Chelmer. Previously, divers have retrieved trolleys, street cones and bicycles from the riverbed, as well as cans, plastics and glass that can go on to be recycled.

Giving up a few hours to volunteer for the community river clean up can be a great way for local businesses, families, and friends to spend some meaningful time together and make a positive change. If you’re able to lend a hand on Saturday 8 June, the joining details are below…

Event details

When: Saturday 8 June at 9am

Where: Meet at Meadows Surface car park (Can Bridge Way, Chelmsford CM2 0WP)

What to bring: Yourselves! Litter pickers, PPE and bags for collecting rubbish will be provided. We can even provide a free parking pass... But with good links to cycle and foot paths, why not get your morning exercise in along the way?

We have enough equipment available for up to 200 volunteers. Please register your interest in the comments of this Facebook post to help us have an idea of how many people will attend.