Debris and Dead Fox on Lea Navigation

Debris and dead fox in the River Lea/Lee Navigation, Hackney, E9

Dead Animals in the Lea

We have frequently seen dead animals floating in the Lea recently. They are often there for some time before they are removed despite being reported to Canal River Trust, which is very unpleasant for boaters and canal-side residents. 

It is worrying to see river wildlife such as the fish and swan - could this be the result of pollution? 

Dead fish.

Photo: Millfields blog

Dead fox by Eastway bridge.

Photo: @TheoJThomas from  Love The Lea

Dead bird

Photo: Dee O'Connell

Dead swan by Marshgate Bridge.

Photo: Damian Rafferty 

Litter Bins by the Lea

One problem with litter on the towpath is that the bins aren't emptied frequently enough. The bin opposite Wick Village is often full with bags of rubbish around it. These bags soon get torn open by foxes and the litter spread around.

These bins belong to Canal River Trust so I assume they are responsible for emptying them. CRT have said to us that the litter is blowing into the river as the council are not cleaning the streets enough, but I think a lot of the litter originates from around the towpath bins.

Canal River Trust Response

Canal River Trust press release regarding the cleaning of the Lea.

'We are currently in talks with our contractor to have two boats out solidly for two weeks of every month during the summer weed season, between 1 April and 30 September, which will scoop up weed and rubbish.'

If this happens it will be very good news! 

Read the full press release here. 

River Lea - pollution and litter

I took all these photographs between the Eastway and Omega Works this week. Most are taken right outside my house in Wick Village. The water is full of debris - mainly empty bottles. There is also some kind of oil and scum on the water. The towpath is covered in litter - some of it has been there since before Christmas. 

By Wick Village

Bottles and scummy water by Towpath Walk

This litter has been by Wick Woods since before Christmas

At the junction of Hertford Union and Lea

By Wick Village

By Wick Village

By Wick Village

By Wick Village - see the oil on the water

By Wick Village

By Wick Village

By Wick Village - this coot looks cute but it's standing on litter

Near Omega Works

We asked Canal River Trust why we no longer see cleaning boats on the Lea, when it was cleaned daily during the Olympics. They said they got extra money from the ODA to clean during the games. It seems as though the Lea is only important when the eyes of the world are on it. 

Facebook Page

Wick Village now has a Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wick-Village/291572227637868?ref=hl

Love The Lea Update

Theo Thomas from Love the Lea campaign has written an update which you can read here... http://www.thames21.org.uk/2013/02/saving-north-east-londons-rivers/