More than 1,400 Big Paddle Clean-up kits have been issued to the paddling community ready for two weeks of action to clear up blue spaces across the UK.
In 2023, over 2,600 paddlers took part in a bid to clear their local waterways of junk and plastic pollution, while raising more public awareness of the issue.
About 1,800 huge sacks were filled containing 6,767 plastic bottles, 2,739 glass bottles, 4,403 cans and 7,682 food packaging items.
This year's Big Paddle Clean-up will be from 25 May to 9 June.
The winter storms and the wet spring means there's more rubbish in our waterways and hidden along the banks than before.
![Adam Burgess with a Big Paddle Clean Up sack](https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/adam_burgess_big_paddle_clean_up-949x1024.jpg)
Chantelle Grundy, Chantelle Grundy, Paddle UK's Access and Environment Lead, said:
“Many of our waterways are kept clean by dedicated volunteers committed to giving their time for the benefit of nature and people.
“The Big Paddle Clean-up is a great way for the paddling community to come together.
“It highlights the challenges our waterways face from plastic pollution. We hope it will inspire change to protect all of our waters for future generations.”
Use this toolkit for MP letters and press releases (there are also logos and posters you can use) >>
Once you have completed your paddle cleanup, log it with us here >>
Help spread the word and join in the action.
Don't forget to use our hashtag #BigPaddleCleanup
Tag @Paddle_UK in your social media posts too so we can see your clean-ups.