DOZENS of volunteers organised a clean-up of the River Kent between Staveley and Burneside - and found everything from traffic cones to toilet seats, metal pipes and plastic toys.

People from Staveley, Bowston, Burneside, Kendal and other communities along the river Kent gathered in Staveley. 

They went for a river walk and paddle to Millennium Green, Burneside, collecting rubbish along the way. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The group lined up at the start The group lined up at the start (Image: Clean the River Kent Campaign)

Isobel Stoddart, the chair of the Clean the River Kent campaign, said the amount of black plastic and discarded dog poo bags 'was particularly noticeable.'

Ms Stoddart said: "It was wonderful to see people of all ages turn out to help clean up the river Kent – a real community effort.

"I think that everyone was both surprised and shocked by the amount of rubbish collected on what appears to be, on first appearance, a relatively litter-free stretch of the river."

The Westmorland Gazette: The group lined up at the end The group lined up at the end (Image: Clean the River Kent Campaign)

READ MORE: Burneside, Staveley and Kendal residents form Clean up the River Kent

Two teams made their way along the footpaths on either side of the river gathering litter on-land and members of the Lakeland Canoe Club accompanied by a family in an inflatable raft retrieved rubbish that got lodged behind rocks in and on branches over the river. 

Wryn, a volunteer from Kendal. said: “Whilst there was a really positive atmosphere, and everyone taking part seemed to have a good time, the huge pile of litter told a very clear story – we need to look after our rivers and stop using them as a rubbish bin.

"Not only is it unsafe for people using the river, but the creatures in the water will also be suffering from all the waste entering the watercourse. Please think before you litter along our precious river – take it home instead.”

Westmorland and Furness Council provided the litter pickers and bags and British Canoeing sponsored the event. 

The group hope to hold further litter picks along the river throughout 2023 by working their way down to Kendal and beyond. Details will be published via their Facebook page.