As part of Plastic Free July, a group of 10 volunteers led by Henley Royal Regatta in collaboration with local eco-warrior Lynne Lambourne - from sustainability movement Warriors on Waste - carried out the fourth annual paddleboard River clean-up along the Course in Henley-on-Thames this morning.
Following one of the hottest Regattas to date that thrilled hundreds of thousands of spectators this year, with over 4,000 athletes competing in more than 400 races, the initiative is part of Henley Royal Regatta’s commitment to preserving the natural environment and biodiversity of its home river.
The volunteers used stand up paddleboards from Go with the Flo Paddleboarding for the Regatta river clean-up, equipped with litter pickers and recycling boxes.
Richard Phelps, Chair of Henley Royal Regatta said: “We are proud to host our annual river clean-up along the stretch of the Thames that has welcomed such an extraordinary week of racing. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Henley and the surrounding environment. By helping to leave the river as we found it, we’re ensuring this iconic waterway remains a thriving habitat for wildlife and a valued space for the local community.”
Greg Searle, Olympic gold medallist and Henley Royal Regatta’s Sustainability Steward, said:
“It was fantastic to see the local community come together once again for our fourth consecutive river clean-up. From minimising single-use plastics and using glassware and crockery, to providing refillable water stations for athletes and ensuring all event waste is either recycled, composted or turned into energy, every action we take plays a part in protecting our rivers and oceans. Initiatives like this not only safeguard the natural environment for the rowing community in Henley and beyond—they also inspire others to take positive steps in their own communities.”
Lynne Lambourne, founder of Warriors on Waste, commented: “It was lovely to see the river so clear and clean today. We recovered lots of cups and bottles, as well as a few surprises, including a toilet seat! Considering the scale of the event on the river, it was a remarkably low amount of rubbish. It’s a wonderful way to spend the morning and one of my favourite days each year. Henley Royal Regatta clearly has a passion and key focus on sustainability and its responsibility to care for the river.
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For any media enquiries, please contact Henley Royal Regatta’s press office,
The PHA Group - press@hrr.co.uk
