Students from De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) have helped collect 50 bags of rubbish from Leicester’s waterways as part of a community clean-up.
A group of more than 40 student volunteers joined forces with the Canal & River Trust to clear litter from sections of the River Soar and Grand Union Canal, working from boats and along the towpath.
Among the rubbish collected were plastic bottles, a shopping trolley, fire extinguisher, fridge door, fridge shelf, football and balloon pump.
The event formed part of the Canal & River Trust’s national campaign to stop plastics and litter from entering rivers and eventually reaching the oceans.
Students taking part said they were motivated by the chance to make a visible difference to their city and local environment.
DMU PhD student Natalia Stachowiak said: “I think it’s just such an amazing initiative to be so hands-on for our community. You see the before and after in real time and I find that incredibly rewarding.
“Especially as I live right around the corner from this location, to help clean up my own neighbourhood is such a wonderful thing to do.”
Worku Molla, a postgraduate researcher studying fabric recycling at DMU, said he was keen to volunteer because of his passion for sustainability.
He said: “I wanted to get involved in community projects and felt this was a great way of putting into practice what I have been learning on my course and help improve my local environment.”
Jasmine Walker, DMU’s Climate Action Officer, said the event highlighted the enthusiasm students have for volunteering and making a tangible impact, with many already asking about future opportunities and signing up to continue volunteering with the Canal & River Trust.
She said: “Today is really important because it’s a great opportunity for students to get involved in a volunteering opportunity which makes an impact in Leicester.
“We frequently get requests from students for opportunities where they can see the difference they are making.
“Litter is such a problem in this part of the city, because we are in the city centre lots of rubbish and plastic is getting into the waterways, so students coming to volunteer and make it cleaner and safer for people and wildlife is really important.”
The Canal & River Trust said volunteer support is vital in tackling litter in Leicester’s waterways.
James Edwards, Canal & River Trust volunteer leader, said: “Last year, working with DMU we pulled out six trolleys, a grandfather clock, a knife and lots of general litter, contributing to more than 1,200 bags reported to me over the year.”
He thanked DMU students for their efforts, adding: “As a charity we rely on support from volunteers like the DMU students here today, and we’re so grateful for all their hard work.”
DMU Climate Action Coordinator Maab Abdelatil reflected on the wider impact of the clean-up, she said: “It can feel a bit useless, but when you do litter picks like this directly you have an impact and you see it.
“Everyone comes together for the same cause, that collective effort makes you feel more positive and hopeful for the future and climate action.”
Posted on Friday 22 May 2026