Why We Love The Lee Navigation



The last ten days has seen unprecedented communication on social networking sites regarding the litter and pollution on the River Lee Navigation.

Canoeist struggles with rubbish at Lea Bridge Weir

For a brief period during the 2012 Olympics the river sparkled as daily cleaning was undertaken before and during the games. Unfortunately this all stopped when the games were over. The river then became dirtier than we have ever seen it in the past 30 years.

When the original Trustees of the Docklands Canal Boat Trust set up our charity in the early 1980s, they chose the River Lee Navigation as their home as it was one of the nicest, vibrant and healthiest rivers running through London.


Our Boat at Lea Bridge back in the 1980's

Everyday, and particularly at weekends, the banks were thronged by anglers catching all forms of prize fresh water fish. The only anglers you see now are the un-knowledgeable who think the methane bubbles rising to the surface are actually fish. The fish have long gone!


Even today our clients love their cruises and holidays along the river, even though it is under such pressure from pollution.



2012 and our client still 'Love the Lee'

Let’s go back a few years to a different part of the country. As a lad growing up my local river was the Mersey as it flowed through South Manchester and Cheshire. Goodness me, that was a dark, uninviting and lifeless river that was virtually an open sewer. Back then it was classified as the most polluted river in Europe.

After 25 years of concentrated effort from all agencies they now have salmon back in the Mersey and it is a haven for wild life. Click or copy the link and download the Mersey Life PDF Booklet:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/102362.aspx

The Mersey’s success is The Lee’s loss as it now as the unenviable title of the most polluted river in Europe.

To say the River Lee is on the brink is an understatement. It is being attacked from all quarters which has rendered it on a bad day an extremely unpleasant environment.

Follow https://twitter.com/TheoJThomas or https://twitter.com/Thames21 for daily updates on pollution and the work that is being undertaken.

Thames 21 Volunteers on the Lee

All is not lost as yet. We still have all forms of wild life on the river and numerous groups and individuals who are concerned about the welfare of the river and the Lea Valley Park.

Still plenty of wildlife on the river to build on

As a small charity that relies on disability groups for our income, we are concerned about pollution on the Lee and have our own environmental policy to ensure as considerate boaters we do not pollute the river.

We also have a long term plan to remain on the River Lee as it still has one of the most vibrant communities in London, is still a beautiful environment and a river we continue to love.

 

Besides, if t'people up t'north can get their river back than surely we can do it down here!

A Year on the River Lee in 2012 with MV. Challenge

As we prepare our boat ready for our new season we'd like to share with you some of the wonderful sights on the River Lee during 2012.

We are now taking bookings for your 2013 boating adventures on the River Lee. Book now to avoid disappointment. Email: bookings@dcbt.org.uk