The pandemic taught us how important the outdoors is for our physical and mental wellbeing. It also made many of us more appreciative of the environment and why we need to protect it.
James Elliott lost his job during Covid but it also changed his life in a positive way.
James, also known as the Canoe River Cleaner, has been doing some incredible work in cleaning up the River Freshney, in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire.
“I began my work during the pandemic when I saw a Kingfisher land on an upended shopping trolley,” he said.
“I swiftly bought my first canoe and set sail to clean the River Freshney.”
The canoe was a 16ft Canadian he’d bought from a Brownie camp in Leicestershire.
“The [River Freshney] was sadly utilised as a dustbin for cans, bottles, takeaway wrappers, and worse still, bikes, trolleys, and even bins themselves!
“I knew something had to be done. The canoe gave me safe and easy access to the litter and I was able to perform litter picks.
“These became more frequent and was the birth of my operation.”
After losing his job in sales, he set up his cleanup operation. He worked hard at gaining sponsorship so the work gave him a living too.
“It’s a constant battle,” he said.
“But I love my work and will not stop despite financial uncertainty.
“I have a team of people called the Freshney Comrades who work upstream on the banks to mitigate litter entering the river.
“I spend some of my time in the boat, but I have also branched out and now run educational activities for children and families, make videos about the wildlife who call our river home, and basically, get involved in anything positive which benefits the watercourse.
“The ‘Freshney’ is blessed to be fed by a series of artesian springs [brings groundwater to the surface] and unique blow wells, so it’s truly worth looking after.”
The Big Paddle Cleanup
James, like thousands of other paddlers and volunteers, took part in the Big Paddle Cleanup (24 May to 9 June).
“For me when I’m litter picking on my canoe, it’s a little bit of a lonely pursuit, so [The Big Paddle Cleanup] is a chance to make those connections and find out what everyone is doing collectively across the UK.
“While my job is essentially keeping my town’s river and various watercourses clean on a regular basis, its always great to be involved with the Big Paddle Cleanup as its brings so many people together with a shared purpose.
“And hey, being part of something positive is always a win.
“This year, as part of the event we have done several small clean ups on different sections of our river, and it was a chance to highlight the work of those who are seldom seen.
“In terms of litter, I’m proud to say that things are much better in our area than it used to be, we we will count that as a win.”
Find out more about the amazing work James and his Freshney Comrades do >>
