Meet the man who collected three bags of rubbish from the River Nene in Peterborough

But while the rubbish found on dry land is regularly cleared – the litter thrown into the River Nene is not cleared as regularly.

Now, however, one volunteer has headed out on a canoe to make a difference.

Liam O’Connor headed out on the river by the Embankment this month, clearing just some of the debris that has ended up in the water.

Liam, part of the Litter Wombles, said the inspiration to clear the river came after finding two dead geese on the Embankment.

He said: “What inspired me to do it, is that I enjoy the embankment and nature. Seeing litter a consistent issue, with inadequate bin provision and lack of signage or intervention. it was apparent I needed to do something.

“The true catalyst for the clean-up was a week or so before I came across two dead geese. I reported this to DEFRA, who advised they only check the water quality if 3 or more pass away. Which was a little frustrating.

“I wanted to record some clips, one to highlight the type of rubbish in the river. Bread bags and waste associated with feeding the waterfowl on the Nene. Cans and bottles. Insulation materials and effluent from boats on the river.”

Liam was out on the river for more than two hours, and he said he found a variety of things in the Nene.

He said he had received plenty of praise from passers by as he carried out his pick.

He said: “In total I filled three large bags of rubbish, which I split into general waste – wrappers and packaging - and other miscellaneous things.

"I found tool boxes, and five shoes, but only 1 pair.

“As I moved to Peterborough a few years ago, and believe that people want a cleaner city, and need encouragement at all levels – local residents, visitors to the city and the council.”

For more information about the Peterborough Litter Wombles, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/peterboroughlitterwombles/about