Feargal Sharkey, former rock star and current vice-chair of River Action UK, is leading a protest in central London on October 26 to address the alarming pollution levels in Britain’s waterways. Activists from Brent River Park and surrounding areas, including the Clean Up The River Brent campaign (CURB) and Ealing litter picking group LAGERCan, are joining forces to demand immediate action from the government to tackle sewage, agricultural waste, and chemical pollutants contaminating rivers, lakes, and seas.
Ben Morris, founder of CURB, has been actively involved in clearing tons of rubbish from the River Brent since 2021. In 2023, CURB developed a cost-effective pollution monitoring system, which is currently being tested with the support of the Environment Agency. Morris highlighted the detrimental impact of pollution on the habitats of various wildlife species such as beavers, eels, and kingfishers, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention from Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and local authorities to prevent further damage to the environment and residents’ health.
The Brent River Park charity, with a 50-year history of advocating for the protection and enhancement of the river and its green spaces, continues to push for the designation of the Brent River Park as an official regional park. Charity trustee Steven Toft expressed concern over the high pollution levels in the river, emphasizing the importance of ongoing discussions with Ealing Council to safeguard the floodplain and promote rewilding efforts in the area.
As preparations for the march intensify, Feargal Sharkey has shown his support for CURB’s efforts by sharing a video highlighting pollution outfalls in the Brent. The collaboration between activists, environmental groups, and concerned citizens underscores the collective determination to address water pollution issues and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
To get involved and support the Brent River Park charity’s initiatives, individuals are encouraged to become free members by visiting their official website or following them on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. By joining forces and raising awareness about the pressing need for cleaner waterways, activists are sending a powerful message to decision-makers and the public about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
