The Canoe River Cleaner

The Canoe River Cleaner I'm simply a guy with a canoe keeping the river tidy for the wildlife and local residents 🛶🛶
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Meet Reedcutter Rob 🌿(He's doing his best!)It was nice to have a chinwag with this chap this morning before he got stuck...
04/08/2026

Meet Reedcutter Rob 🌿
(He's doing his best!)

It was nice to have a chinwag with this chap this morning before he got stuck into tackling the reed that's clogging up our river.

The company he works for is carrying out this work on behalf of the Environment Agency as part of its flood management programme.

After chatting to someone who's on the coal face and really knows their onions, I have to admit that, despite my concerns about the potential ecological impact, I'm starting to come round to the idea that dredging may ultimately be the only realistic way of getting our river back into shape.

Of course, dredging would come with a huge price tag, so whether it ever happens is another matter.

For now, though, Rob and the team are doing what they can on a small section. They're pencilled in to return at the beginning of September to complete the work from Haven Gardens to Earl Street.

Freshney Comrades

Ooohh, ducky-poos! 🦆Shenanigans were afoot at the second of this year's duck races for the wonderful Sunflowers Children...
04/08/2026

Ooohh, ducky-poos! 🦆

Shenanigans were afoot at the second of this year's duck races for the wonderful Sunflowers Children’s Action Group at 'The Splash' in Little Cawthorpe.

Katrina and the gang pulled out all the stops and absolutely nailed it this time, with loads of interactive fun for the kids... and the big kids too (Even Zac got a real tattoo on his cheek 🤣)

The duck race wasn't exactly 100 mph due to the lack of rain, but to be honest, it's not just about the ducks. It's about loads of good people coming together in the sunshine and raising money for a fantastic cause. In fact, we sold just shy of 750 ducks!!

Loads of people turned up to help, and Zac and I were tasked with making sure no ducks were harmed or disappeared downstream. A job we did flawlessly, because we are experts, with a windbreak, a net, and some bin bags 🤣

A huge thank you to everyone who helped, including Hazel, my third born, for getting stuck in with whatever was thrown her way.

See you next year! 🦆💛

Sunflowers Children’s Action Group
Royal Oak Inn "The Splash"
PickWalks
It Makes Scents

This is tomorra and it's blooming FREE !!Join me and my litterpicking husband Zac at Grimsby In Blooms Environment Day (...
04/08/2026

This is tomorra and it's blooming FREE !!

Join me and my litterpicking husband Zac at Grimsby In Blooms Environment Day (please see poster for details)

There's loads of fun and educational bobs and bits going on, including our display featuring vintage litter, the canoe and much more

PickWalks
Grimsby in Bloom

Calm after the storm 😔Last night was distressing, to say the least, as part of the nature corridor of trees that borders...
03/08/2026

Calm after the storm 😔

Last night was distressing, to say the least, as part of the nature corridor of trees that borders our river was damaged by fire.

I feel a little helpless, as this was most likely started deliberately. How do you tackle something like that?

If those responsible are identified, it's right that the appropriate authorities deal with that. Accountability has its place. But as parents, teachers, and members of our community, the greatest contribution we can make is through education and helping young people understand what they have on their doorstep, why it matters, and why it's worth protecting.

I'll be talking a little more about the impact of fire on our environment during my school visits for the foreseeable future, and sharing the amazing wildlife that calls our river home, wildlife that many children don't even realise is right on their doorstep.

To again quote Robert Macfarlane (a quote my friend Jane reminded me of)

"We find it hard to love what we cannot give a name to. And what we do not love, we will not save."

I wanted to end with a reminder of what's worth protecting. Heres some wildlife shots I've taken, just a stone's throw from the fire. Some, that very morning.

I hope this week trickles along without issue.

Freshney Comrades
North East Lincolnshire Council

02/08/2026

Yet another fire 😔

I'd just taken a trolley out the river on the 'bully' and saw plumes of smoke further upstream.

Standing at Newhaven Terrace, it initially looked fairly contained, and I thought the dense vegetation might help the fire brigade bring it under control.

Unfortunately, it was a very different story once I reached the other side. The easterly wind had helped the fire spread beyond the railway line, which I'd assumed might act as a natural fire break.

Thankfully, our mighty river Freshney then New Cut Drain separates this stretch of vegetation from the commercial properties, but if it grows in ferocity, it's going to be a big concern.

I'm not going to speculate or add my two penn’orth as thats not what is needed right now, but im gutted that part of this nature corridor is decimated.

A massive thanks to the fire brigade, who are doing a fantastic job tackling it, though it's probably not how they envisaged spending their Sunday evening.

For anyone wondering, I only filmed this to show the scale of what was happening and to keep people informed, in actual fact, i was just about to share the post that Zac and Paul Henderson had shared about the Co-Op temporarily taking disposable bbqs off the shelves 😔

Hopefully everyone stays safe.

Freshney Comrades

Ooohh, look at you being all gorgeous. ☺️(Photo's taken this morning)Now, I see these little barmpots on a regular basis...
02/08/2026

Ooohh, look at you being all gorgeous. ☺️

(Photo's taken this morning)

Now, I see these little barmpots on a regular basis through my line of work, but I never take them for granted. I mean... how could you?

One question I get asked a lot is, "How do you spot kingfishers?"

Well, firstly, although we don't have flocks of them tearing around everywhere, they are actually quite widespread. You'll find them on most slow moving waterways like rivers, ponds, drains, streams and canals.

My first tip is a bit boring... patience. They're fairly skittish and will almost always see you before you see them, so slow down and take your time.

The next tip is vital. Learn their high pitched call and listen for it. They often call as they move from one fishing spot to another. When you hear it, stop, keep your eyes on the water, and wait. More often than not, you'll catch a flash of electric blue.

Fun fact 👀

Kingfishers have a transparent third eyelid, called a nictitating membrane, which slides over the eye when they dive. It protects their eyes while still allowing them to see underwater.

Good luck! 👍

A rubbish start to the day 🤣I've always harped on about the meditative benefits of picking up litter and if you bolt a s...
02/08/2026

A rubbish start to the day 🤣

I've always harped on about the meditative benefits of picking up litter and if you bolt a sunrise onto it, you'll certainly reap the rewards.

This morning was pretty spectacular !

Thank you to everyone who looks after the Fitties beach, it looked in good shape. Most of my bits came from the car park despite the world's largest bin that sits in the middle 😔

Great to see Melv from NELC at it at first light. The path next to Subway and Macdonalds was in a bad way!

Anyway, getting up early was worth a punt, as the sky was lovely 🌞

CleanerWalks
Freshney Comrades
North East Lincolnshire Council

Guess what I've got in the garden!! ☺️Whilst not particularly rare, it clearly only showed up and stuck around because m...
01/08/2026

Guess what I've got in the garden!! ☺️

Whilst not particularly rare, it clearly only showed up and stuck around because my garden provides the kind of habitat and nectar sources it's looking for, so I'm literally buzzing (sorry 🤣)

A few years ago, my garden was just a simple lawn and pretty much devoid of life, besides the odd starling or blackbird looking for worms.

Slowly but surely, after adding a pond (easiest way to increase biodiversity) and scattering magic beans everywhere, the wildlife inhabiting the garden has become wonderful and varied.

It's rough around the edges (hence the sign!), but I'm really proud that all these species are visiting a house slap bang in the middle of a concrete jungle suburbia.

I hope you like the video and photo's

01/08/2026

They're Literally Blocking the River!

Reeds are causing a bloomin nuisance in our river Freshney and I've been contacted numerous times to ask what the flamin eck is going on.

Whilst these mittens and a canoe can't sort the problem, I can try to explain (in layman's terms) what's happening and why.

For clarity, I'm an independent naturalist and amateur river ecologist, just doing my best to learn and contribute.

Canal & River Trust
River Action UK
North East Lincolnshire Council
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Cor blimey, how cool is this ☺️☺️Ive just received a message out of the blue from a lovely lady called Kirsty.She thanke...
01/08/2026

Cor blimey, how cool is this ☺️☺️

Ive just received a message out of the blue from a lovely lady called Kirsty.

She thanked me for inspiring her with a photo I took of the North Low Lighthouse in Killingholme a few months ago.

She went on to paint a picture in oil, and its blinking marvellous.

This piece will be available to see in person at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull between October and Jan.

Hurrah for talented people like Kirsty 👍

BBC Humberside

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