Volunteers remove 867kg of litter from River Lavant in major clean-up
Chichester river clean-up tackles pollution and aids habitat restoration
In a three-day effort, 42 dedicated volunteers removed 867kg of litter from the River Lavant, a vital chalk stream running through Chichester, West Sussex. The clean-up focused on areas near Westhampnett Road, Barnfield Drive, and south of the A27 near Apuldram.
Among the items collected from the river were 530 cans, 363 plastic bottles, 170 glass bottles, shopping trolleys, paddling pools, shotgun cartridges, and even a garden sofa. Removing plastic from the river improves water quality and aids habitat restoration.
The River Lavant, like many UK rivers, suffers from pollution and urbanisation effects, including sewage and agricultural runoff. With summer heatwaves exacerbating drought conditions in 80% of the UK, rivers face significant challenges that also impact water supplies.
Organised by The Final Straw Foundation and the Western Sussex Rivers Trust, alongside support from South Downs National Park and Chichester District Council, these clean-up days aim to improve river water quality and awareness.
Helen Littlejohn from The Final Straw Foundation emphasised the importance of addressing plastic pollution, which affects ecosystems and human health. She pointed out the dangers of PFAs, "forever chemicals" found in plastics that persist and accumulate.
Louise Barneston, River Lavant Chalk Stream Resilience Officer at the Western Sussex Rivers Trust, noted that the River Lavant is a Chalk Winterbourne that naturally dries up in summer before refilling in winter. Pollution has deteriorated the habitat impacting its unique wildlife.
This clean-up is part of a broader project to renaturalise the river, reduce flooding, and educate communities on ecological processes. Efforts to reduce pollution increase biodiversity, supporting species like rare water voles and stream-specific insects.
Barneston highlighted the importance of valuing water and finding ways to reduce usage, suggesting practical measures like using reusable water bottles, eco-friendly products, and conserving water at home.