3 Sep 2010
The nationwide Tidy Towns project was launched two years ago and in that time volunteers have restored hundreds of black spots to their natural state. For three days this month an army of volunteers in the capital city will be undertaking one of the most ambitious clean up ever undertaken in Wales.
There has been a huge response to Keep Wales Tidy’s call for volunteers to join the ‘Great Taff Tidy’. Over 60 organisations will be taking part in the mammoth clean-up of the river from its source in the Brecon Beacons, along its 52 mile stretch to Cardiff Bay but there is still time to join in.
As part of the Tidy Towns project, the Great Taff Tidy is taking place from 3 to 5 September and community groups, businesses, local residents, fishing clubs, canoe enthusiasts and diving clubs have all come forward to ‘adopt’ a stretch of river to clean-up on the weekend of action.
On Friday 3 September the Minister for Environment, Jane Davidson, will be joining over 100 volunteers in a clean-up around Blackweir in Bute Park. She will be removing litter from the river in an open canoe from 1-3pm under the expert supervision of the ‘Glam Boaters’.
Jane Davidson said, "I am delighted to support the 'Great Taff Tidy' and am so pleased that I am able to get practically involved in the effort to clean up all 52 miles of the river. I am also genuinely impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the many volunteers who are helping with this project. It proves that there are many people throughout Wales who care about their local environment and recognise how our beautiful countryside can enhance their lives. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, clean and tidy Wales. Projects like this, and the efforts of willing volunteers, are key to helping us achieve that aim."
Kayakers from Canoe Wales will also be removing rubbish from overhanging branches and volunteers from Keep Wales Tidy, WAG, Barclaycard, McDonald’s and Llamau will be assisting from the shores. Cardiff County Council and Cardiff Harbour Authority will be collecting and disposing of the waste.
Over the weekend, over 25 events are planned in Cardiff and hundreds of individuals will be donning their waders, wellies, waterproofs and wetsuits to take part. Organisations include: Cardiff Rivers Group, Glam Boaters, Cardiff County Council, Cardiff Harbour Authority, Canoe Wales, Friends of Hailey Park, Llamau, Environment Agency Wales, CIWM, Drope Support Group, BTCV, National Assembly for Wales, Recovery Cymru, Barclaycard, McDonalds, Welsh Assembly Government, Lloyds TSB, GVA Grimley, Cardiff Library, Llandaff Rowing Club, Cardiff Probation Service and Neath Port Talbot Council.
Keep Wales Tidy’s Projects Director, Louise Tambini said, "The Great Taff Tidy has really hit a chord with the people of Cardiff. It’s a fantastic opportunity to improve the appearance of the River Taff in one big hit and the response from the public has been astounding. Loads of groups and individuals have come forward to offer their time and we now have events taking place along the River’s entire length. More volunteers are always welcome, so if you enjoy walking, cycling, fishing or canoeing along the Taff and would like to join in an event please contact Keep Wales Tidy".
Keep Wales Tidy officers will be available to advise and assist groups and may be also be able to provide free insurance and equipment.
Anyone wishing to join in the fun in the Cardiff area should contact Chris Partridge on 07717 412270 or 029 2072 6980 or email chris.partridge@keepwalestidy.org
Anyone with a boat, wetsuit or diving equipment will be especially welcome!
Notes to Editors
1. There will be a photo opportunity of the Minister in an open canoe, working alongside volunteers in kayaks and waders in the river from 1-3pm on Friday 3September.
2. Keep Wales Tidy is a registered Environmental Charity working for the improvement of the Welsh environment. Visit our website for more information: www.keepwalestidy.org
3. For more information please contact Louise Tambini, Projects Director, Keep Wales Tidy, on 029 2072 6976 or mobile 07824 504790 or e-mail louise.tambini@keepwalestidy.org
4. Tidy Towns is a two part initiative between Keep Wales Tidy and Welsh Local authorities funded by Welsh Assembly Government. KWT are delivering the community engagement element by employing a dedicated project officer for every local Authority in Wales.
5. KWT officers encourage communities to take responsibility for their local environment and assist them carry out a range of environmental projects. Over 1,013 groups and 26,500 volunteers have been involved since Tidy Towns began.