Hunt is on for volunteers to stand up for – and in - city’s waterways
Anglian Water is on the hunt for volunteers to help expand its successful RiverCare scheme in Peterborough.
Working with Keep Britain Tidy, the company has so far funded more than 40 RiverCare groups across its region, helping people care for their local stretch of river.
The scheme has been so successful that organisers now want to expand it, with four new groups planned in Peterborough.
They are joining forces with green charity Peterborough Environment City Trust, whose Communities Team Leader, Maxine Palmer, has been appointed to begin the task of recruiting volunteers to form the core of the new groups.
She said: “At the moment we are still investigating which parts of the city we are going to focus on. Where we end up depends in large part on the enthusiasm of local people so do please get in touch.
“I am very keen to get started and get my hands dirty with this exciting project.”
Kylie Jones, Anglian Water’s RiverCare co-ordinator, said: “RiverCare is a fantastic way to get involved and do something practical to improve your local environment.
“You can get your wellies on and clear the waterways and riverbanks. You can also help make your community more water-friendly by conserving water and reducing the sewer blockages that can cause flooding and pollution.”
She added: “It’s about making the connections between our actions and the health of streams and rivers.
“The water we drink, cook and wash with is the same water that flows through our rivers and we need to make sure there is enough for us and for wildlife.
“This year’s dry weather has been a sharp reminder of the need to conserve water and we think the new RiverCare groups would be able to help people make that connection.
“We also want to build on the success of Anglian Water’s campaign to cut the number of sewer blockages in Peterborough caused by fats, oils and grease being poured down drains.
“Those blocks can cause sewer flooding and in the worst cases can even lead to pollution of our waterways. Again, the RiverCare groups are in a position to see the effects, to help people make those connections and change their behaviour.”
Andrew Walters, RiverCare Project Manager, said: “The watercourses around Peterborough provide great places to enjoy and important habitats for wildlife.
“This project is a great opportunity for local communities to work together to protect them, by better understanding how the way they use water impacts on the environment and by getting their wellies on to clean up and improve the riverbanks.
“What we are looking at in Peterborough is a big expansion in the scheme’s size and scope. We believe Maxine’s expertise within the local community will really help to drive RiverCare forward in the city.”
If you’re interested in helping to care for the city’s rivers please contact Maxine Palmer on 01733 568408 or email
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