A frying pan, trailer wheels, fishing tackle, and even a plastic parrot were among the haul collected in a litter pick along the lower banks of the River Teign at the weekend (Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27).

The clean up, organised by Friends of the River Teign (FORT), saw 32 volunteers filling sacks with rubbish, including single-use plastics, dog balls, fabric, and polypropylene rope. The group also cleared larger items such as furniture, car tyres, a fuel can and bits of old boats.

Single use plastics pose a risk to the health of the river.
Single use plastics pose a risk to the health of the river. (contributed)

The volunteers, many of whom were recently involved in clearing up a wrecked yacht on the rocks at the foot of the Ness at Shaldon, reported counting at least 15 broken or abandoned boats in varying states of decay.

Friends of the River Teign volunteers scoured both sides of the river and collected an array of litter.
Friends of the River Teign volunteers scoured both sides of the river and collected an array of litter. (Contributed)

Friends of the River Teign said it is keen to work with local authorities to tackle the problem of abandoned boats and rubbish along the river.

‘Recent studies have revealed that broken down fibre glass from decaying boats can enter the food chain after being ingested by mussels and oysters,’ commented FORT organiser Stuart Reynolds.

Abandoned boats create an eyesore and litter trap and pose risks to wildlife as they break down
Abandoned boats create an eyesore and litter trap and pose risks to wildlife as they break down (Contributed)

As well as the risks to wildlife and water quality as they break down, abandoned boats also create an eyesore and litter trap. Friends of the River Teign said it will make the case for them to be removed as soon as possible by the authorities responsible.

‘We are pleased with the support we have received, not only from volunteers, but also from the Harbour Commission, Teignbridge District Council and Shaldon Parish Council,’ said Peppy Dadd, who led the litter pick. ‘We live by a beautiful river and our shared vision for a clean and healthy Teign is vital for our local community,’ she added. ‘It feels good to have improved the visual impact and to lessen the threat that litter poses to wildlife.’

Two large piles of rubbish were collected from the Friends of the River Teign clean up
Two large piles of rubbish were collected from the Friends of the River Teign clean up (Contributed)

Friends of the River Teign, which officially launched last October, is a community group that aims to preserve and enhance the Teign and its surrounding waters by fighting pollution and uniting communities that have an interest in the 31-mile watercourse.

The group advocates for the Teign’s water health, its diverse and abundant wildlife population, and the thriving human communities along the River Teign, its catchment and nearby coastline.

Friends of the River Teign conducts regular, independent water quality testing and campaigns for action to clean up local waterways based on evidence-based, reliable science and expert knowledge.

FORT plans to extend its activities with more litter removal further up the river later in the year.

Later this month, Shaldon Parish Council will be cleaning up the village beach in a large-scale operation that includes re-profiling the sand line following the winter storms. The beach will be partially closed on Thursday May 15 and fully closed on Friday May 16 to enable heavy machinery to move sand and rocks to rebuild the strand in front of Marine Parade.