Canoe Club Clean Up
In a collaborative effort to combat plastic pollution, 12 members of the Hastings & District Canoe Club participated in a cleanup operation on the River Rother on Sunday 21 September. Supported by Rye Sailing Club, the group successfully removed over 20kg of waste from the river’s banks and waters.
Setting off from Rye Harbour on the incoming spring tide, the paddlers made their way to Rye town before returning with the outgoing tide. Along the way, they focused on collecting litter from the water’s edge. For larger items, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) provided by Rye Sailing Club was used. This helped recover debris ranging from plastic waste to surprising finds like cuddly toys and garden furniture.
During the cleanup, the group enjoyed sightings of local wildlife, including seals basking on the riverbank and the bright flashes of kingfishers darting across the water. By the end of the event, they had the additional satisfaction of having collected 12 large bags of rubbish, along with several bulky items.
“As a club that frequently enjoys our local rivers, it’s disheartening to see them polluted with plastic and other rubbish,” says Jason Richardson, Chairman of Hastings & District Canoe Club. “Our goal is to stop these pollutants before they reach the sea, where their harmful effects would only multiply.”
The nationwide Big Paddle Cleanup was started in 2021 and has been going from strength to strength ever since. In 2023, more than 2,600 paddlers across the UK participated in the event, recording 7,809 plastic bottles, 2,374 glass bottles, 4,735 cans and 10,613 plastic food wrappers, plus a whole host of unusual items.
Jason is also keen for new members to join the club. He says: “If you’re interested in trying kayaking, we welcome new members of all skill levels. Hastings & District Canoe Club offers year-round paddling courses and regular pool sessions.
“The club is based at West of Haven, Cinque Ports Way in Hastings and is a welcoming, community-focused group that promotes all aspects of kayaking and paddle sports. Run entirely by volunteers, including dedicated coaches who freely give their time, the club supports paddlers of all skill levels.
“Membership offers numerous benefits, including access to boats, equipment, and exclusive use of our beach hut on the scenic sea front. The club participates in a wide range of paddle sports, including sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and are committed to preserving the health and cleanliness of local waterways for all to enjoy.”
For more about the club visit hastingscanoeclub.org.uk. For more information on Big Paddle Cleanup go to clearaccessclearwaters.org.uk or paddleuk.org.uk
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