Ahead of our BIG Green Canal Clean we take a look at the difference our regular canal clean-ups make in our local community
As part of Climate Action Week we have our BIG Green Canal Clean! Join us and get outdoorsy and make a difference while having a blast! We're talking litter picking, vegetation management, and we'll clean-up the canal too. Plus we're throwing in FREE hot chocolate and popcorn for all the awesome volunteers who come along! The event takes place on Friday 21 February from Noon to 2pm - meet at Canalside.
But why do we do events like this? Find out more below......
The Students' Union (QMSU) has been leading a series of canal clean-ups along the Regent’s Canal in Mile End for several years now make a significant contribution to improving our local environment and community. These initiatives, led and delivered by student volunteers and staff, focus on removing litter, improving biodiversity, and raising awareness about environmental sustainability.
Tackling Pollution and Enhancing Biodiversity
Our local Regent’s Canal is a vital ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife, including swans, ducks, fish, flora and fauna. However, pollution from plastic waste, discarded items, and other pollutants has and continues to pose a threat to this delicate environment. Through regular clean-up events, QMSU’s student volunteers and staff have removed hundreds of kilograms of waste from the canal, preventing it from harming aquatic life and degrading water quality.
Moreover, these efforts have contributed to attempts to restore the canal to a thriving habitat. By eliminating waste and encouraging local engagement, our volunteers have helped to create cleaner waterways that support a greater variety of plant and animal species.
Community Engagement and Environmental Awareness
Beyond the physical impact on the canal, QMSU’s clean-up events foster a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility. Students, staff, and local residents have come together to take direct action in preserving their surroundings. These activities also provide valuable educational opportunities, teaching participants about the consequences of pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.
Many of our volunteers have reported feeling a renewed sense of connection with their local environment, inspiring them to adopt more eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. The clean-ups also align with wider sustainability efforts within Queen Mary, reinforcing our shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
Long-Term Impact and Future Goals
The long-term benefits of these clean-ups extend beyond immediate waste removal. By maintaining a regular schedule of events, QMSU helps ensure that pollution does not accumulate in the canal, preserving its beauty and ecological health for future generations.
Looking ahead, QMSU will continue to review its own practices and embed sustainability into all that we do as part of our 2030 strategy. We’ll also look to partner with others, including sustainability organisations to continue to make a difference.
QMSU’s canal clean-ups in Mile End are just one example that exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. Led by dedicated student volunteers and staff, these initiatives not only enhance the canal’s health but have also helped to bring our community together and instill a culture of sustainability among students. As these projects continue to grow, they will play an essential role in preserving the canal’s natural beauty and fostering a greener future for all.