Friends of Canal and River Trust, join us for litter-picking along the canals in East London!

We will do a roving litter pick down the towpath, enjoying the Canals along the way! Be sure to use the post code when finding the meeting location and consider using the website 'What 3 Words' by using the three, seemingly, random words in the address line. Ensure that you double check the meeting point before you arrive. We have two different locks named Old Ford.

July 2025 - Start and Finish Old Ford, Lock 8, E3 5SX

August 2025 - Start and Finish Old Ford, Lock 8, E3 5SX

September 2025 - Start Old Ford, Lock 8 E3 5SX --> Finish Old Ford Lock 19, E3 2NN

October 2025 - Start Bow locks, E3 9BJ --> Finish Old Ford Lock 19 E3 2NN

November 2025 - Start Old Ford Lock 19 E3 2NN --> Finish Old Stables, Lock 8, E3 5SX

Break December 2025 and January 2026.

Ensure you register your interest with each session you plan on attending to let us know you're coming. You will be provided with gloves, litter-picks, hoops, and rubbish bags.

All are welcome and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout.

There is a toilet and access to drinking water at the meeting OR end point, sometimes both. There are also some lovely cafes around the canal if you're looking for post-pick refreshments.

Please wear outdoor clothes you are comfortable in and sturdy footwear. If it's raining, do still join us in your best waterproofs! Hand-sanitiser and wipes are available at the meeting point, but you might also want to bring your own as you move along the canal to litter-pick. Remember you will also keep your belongings with you, so consider packing light.

Why we want you

The Drop-in Role is all about getting a taste of volunteering at the Trust, joining us at your leisure to take part in open in one of our Welcome Sessions, Let’s volunteering opportunities or, if you’re joining us for the first time, this would be a great opportunity for you to get involved.

We have a host of easy to access volunteer opportunities that will help to make a huge impact to your local canal but without having to.

What you will be doing

One-off taster events including our Welcome Sessions

Litter Picking

Let’s activities on the water and on the towpath

When you register as a volunteer, we will ask you about any unspent convictions which you need to declare and risk assess these as needs be.

The skills you need

This role is specifically planned without a need for skills or training. As a result of joining it, you’ll find out about other roles where training may either be needed or can be given to help build your skills. No formal skills required

What's in it for you

The opportunity to decide if volunteering with the Trust is the right place for you as these activities in this role are typically short and one-off.

Drop in Volunteer (Smash Trash - East London Litter Picking)

Drop in Volunteer (Smash Trash - East London Litter Picking)

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