The Big Paddle Cleanup will return in 2024 for two weeks of action to continue the mission to improve our precious blue places.

Chantelle Grundy of British Canoeing said: “The Big Paddle Cleanup shows how much the paddling community cares about our waters and what they’re prepared to do to protect them. Combining social action through the Big Paddle Cleanup, with physical activity, is a fantastic way of bringing people together and improving our local surroundings. Together, as a team, we will continue to protect our waterways to do what we love.”

Last year, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, one of British Canoeing’s commercial partners, supported the Big Paddle Cleanup. They issued spot prizes and provided refreshments at the flagship event in Liverpool. Peter Gowans, ERDINGER Country Manager, is determined to keep the water clear of plastic pollution. He said at the event in Liverpool: “It’s been fantastic to see such a vibrant family club and to see all the youngsters on the water being so enthusiastic about picking the rubbish out of the water. It was great to celebrate with a BBQ overlooking the club’s polo pitches.”

The difference you make

We are in a unique position as paddlers as we can collect plastic from places others are unable to access. By taking part in a paddle cleanup you’ll be:

1. Helping to minimise pollution and improve the health of our waterways
2. Helping to protect wildlife
3. Connecting with nature
4. Enjoying the wellbeing benefits of being in blue spaces

The Watersports Participation Survey, in 2022, suggested that a whopping 7.5 million people, across the UK, had either kayaked, used a canoe or a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Imagine the positive impact if we all work together.

You can show your support for our blue spaces by organising your own paddle cleanup. Here is everything you need to join in the action:

How to get involved

1. Find out how to organise a paddle cleanup here
2. Once you have completed your paddle cleanup, log it here.
3. Help spread the word and join in the action. Download the media toolkit here and use the hashtag #BigPaddleCleanup

Cleanup kits

Last year, a limited number of clean up kits were distributed by Paddle Scotland. Funding to purchase the kits had been kindly donated by the Andy Jackson Fund for Access.

As funding has not been secured this year, we encourage you to use kit that was provided last year or purchase some from a range of retailers. Please also check out this map provided by Keep Scotland Beautiful of Community Clean Up Hubs. These are groups, schools or businesses with equipment and knowledge to support your litter picks. 

Scottish Canals are able to loan out equipment to clean canals which can be shared to ensure the most people are able to benefit. Please contact Carol of Scottish Canals for details and to arrange this. Note that Carol is the contact for the lowland canals (Forth & Clyde, Union and Monklands). She can advise on hotspots in particular need of cleanup if you get in touch.