Who we are:
We are community-minded locals who believe in taking action, rather than complaining "something needs to be done."
What we do:
We organise monthly/bi-monthly litter picking sessions, generally Wednesday mornings, covering different stretches of the towpath and foreshore between Barnes Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge, and Queen Elizabeth Walk/the Wetlands. We intercept non-organic litter before these items are washed out to sea by the next high tide, affecting marine life in our oceans.
Unfortunately, due to a shortage of trained leaders, we must limit our sessions to a small group of regular volunteers until new leaders are fully trained.
Why we do it:
We wish to raise awareness that the global issues highlighted by David Attenborough's Blue Planet and Sky's Ocean Rescue are very much evident in our local patch of the Thames. Although this is small scale, we are joined by many similar organisations and together we are reducing the amount of debris in the Thames and its tributaries which flows out into the Thames Estuary.
What we focus on:
- Reducing litter along the river and, more importantly, highlighting campaigns & simple measures to reduce litter sources. We do this via group litter picking sessions and info sharing.
- Engaging with people who actively use the towpath and Thames (walkers, runners, rowers and schools) to encourage responsible behaviour and to discuss issues that impact the health of the river
- Selective targeting of key riverine events such as The Boat Race and charity events to maximise enjoyment whilst minimising the environmental impact
- Establishing and working with similar groups along the Thames and its tributaries
What we have achieved to date and with whom:
- Significant reduction of litter on the towpath and Thames foreshore
- Training, permits and insurances provided by Thames21, from whom official "River Action Group" and "Thames Ambassador" status has been obtained
- Data gathering and assistance with key Thames21 environmental objectives which, for example, led to the historic industrial cleaning of "Wet Wipe Island" during August 2025
- Participation in the BBC's One Show filming; ABC News broadcasts during the "Wet Wipe Island" cleaning; the Port of London Authority's "Cleaner Thames" campaign; Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Cleans, and other media events
- Assistance with creation of Putney Tidy Towpath Group
- Working rapport with Richmond Council who provide equipment, install new towpath bins and collect bagged detritus
- Association with the BCA, Round The Clock Pharmacy and the Barnes Sports Club who generously donate equipment, supplies and space
- Partnership with Habitats & Heritage who offer invaluable assistance, including help to set up our website
- Active dialogue with the Port of London Authority and the Tideway Group (the "Super Sewer" people)
Why join us?
While litter picking is helpful, this is just the tip of the iceberg. What we really need is behaviour modification, which goes beyond the obvious the "Do Not Litter" message and emphasises recycling; actually USING less plastic and other non-biodegradeable packaging, and an awareness that "flushable" consumer objects put down the loo/drain often find their way into our Thames and onto our towpath. We work with other entities to influence wider changes and enhance awareness through various initiatives and campaigns.
Finally, fresh air, good company and a sense of accomplishment are guaranteed during Barnes Tidy Towpath sessions.