3RiversCleanUp's photostream  

The 3 Rivers Clean-up is a collaboration between a number of key organisations to deliver an exciting programme of volunteering opportunities throughout the Ravensbourne river system; the rivers Ravensbourne, Pool and Quaggy which flow though the South East London boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley. The volunteering opportunities will be taking place during the first two weeks in June.

The project aims to remove as much Himalayan Balsam as possible in this area as well as carrying out litter picks along the river banks. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant species that was introduced into Britain in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant due to its attractive pink flowers! However it escaped from gardens and quickly started to grow along our riverbanks – where it thrives on the damp ground. As Himalayan Balsam is not a native plant it changes the natural characteristics of the riverside vegetation, which has further impacts on the wildlife in the area. By focusing on removing this invasive species we aim to improve the biodiversity along the rivers which will assist their rehabilitation.