The Big Paddle Cleanup is Paddle UK’s annual environmental campaign. In 2024, 3,699 amazing volunteers collected 1,888 sacks of plastic waste and other junk from our precious waterways.
Get ready for the Big Paddle Cleanup 2025
Save the Date:
The Big Paddle Cleanup will return from 24 May – 8 June 2025.
Paddlers are uniquely positioned to collect litter from places others cannot access. Your efforts help raise more public awareness about plastic pollution and the damage it causes to our blue spaces.
By taking part in the Big Paddle Cleanup:
- You help protect wildlife.
- You help minimise pollution.
- You will feel closer to nature.
- You feel happier knowing you’re making a difference.
More information about how to get involved in the 2025 campaign will be coming soon. In the meantime, keep an eye out for updates on the Paddle UK website and our Facebook and Instagram channels. You can also get updates about the Big Paddle Cleanup and our Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign by signing up for our newsletter at: https://britishcanoeing.formstack.com/forms/clear_access_clear_water.
In 2024, during the two weeks of action, about 7,398 hours were spent out on our precious waterways, filling 1,888 sacks with rubbish. Within those sacks were 7,809 plastic bottles, 2,374 glass bottles, 4,735 cans and 10,613 plastic food wrappers, plus many unusual items.
The Big Paddle Cleanup has a positive impact on the community. You have told us how much cleaning your waterways means to you.
Dean Jordan, from White Rose Canoe Club, said, “The Big Paddle Cleanup helps to help to maintain our local environment and the impact we have on it. The mental health and wellbeing of being out with like-minded people alone is a great thing.”
Tyne SUP Boarder said, “If you fancy looking after your local waterways in a fun way, we highly recommend [the Big Paddle Cleanup].”
The Sea Cadets of Hornchurch and Upminster said, “[The Big Paddle Cleanup] enhanced our expedition by contributing to the local environment. [It gave] our cadets a deeper understanding of the importance of keeping our waterways free from pollution.”
Amy Cipriano, from the LOPC Wild Women Outdoor Club, said, “The majority of our paddlers have become passionate about [The Big Paddle Cleanup] and make conscious efforts to keep our waterways clean and tidy. The ladies often go off by themselves, and litter pick the river banks or join scheduled canoe litter picks.”
More information about the availability of Big Paddle Cleanup kits will be provided in the coming months.
