City workers swap sharp suits for litter pickers and hi visibility vests
A team of nearly one hundred volunteers from Citibank joined residents to help the council improve the area around Tobacco Dock in Wapping on Saturday June 13.
It was the first phase of the Wapping Ornamental Canal enhancement project – an important scheme that will upgrade parts of Wapping in Tower Hamlets. The volunteers helped clean the Tobacco Dock area, making improvements including painting, clearing litter and constructing nesting platforms, bird boxes and bat boxes. The changes are being made to improve the space and enrich the area, attracting new wildlife and encouraging residents and visitors to take in the delights of this small area in Wapping. Phase 2 will see residents planting wetland plants and further enhancements, contributing to targets in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. The enhancement follows a long period of consultation with residents and the council’s Clean and Green team.
The day was led by officers from the council with help from Bow Landscapes, The Green Team and volunteers. You can make a difference in your neighbourhood, gain new skills and experience, meet new people, get fitter, feel better and improve your local environment by volunteering. The council is always seeking enthusiastic individuals to help undertake various activities around the borough.
Could you help with planting and gardening, painting out graffiti, litter picking, creating gardens out of waste grounds or maintenance? No experience is necessary and most activities last between one to four hours depending on what is involved and the number of volunteers. All equipment including gloves and tools will be supplied. Suitable clothing is all that is required (no sandals). To find out more about cleaner, greener volunteering call 020 7364 6696 or email the Cleaner Greener Volunteering team.
Header photo: volunteers making bat boxes and duck platforms. All photos copyright LB Tower Hamlets
