Bristol Harbour cleanup group marks decade of unusual finds and community impact

Volunteers with the Clean Up Bristol Harbour initiative are marking ten years of removing waste from the city’s waterways, celebrating a mix of routine debris and peculiar discoveries ranging from a Nintendo Switch to an inflatable doll.

Established in September 2016 to combat plastic pollution, the project has recovered a wide array of items over the past decade. Among the more notable finds are a message in a bottle containing a Spanish note, a kettle, tennis balls, glasses, single shoes, Nespresso capsules, and even a packet of butcher’s tripe mix.

Founder Chloe Juyon, a Bristol resident, noted the unpredictable nature of the work. “You never quite know what you’re going to pull out of Bristol Harbour,” she said. “Some of the things we’ve found over the years have definitely made us laugh but there is a serious point behind it.”

Juyon launched the group after noticing significant amounts of rubbish floating near her boat while coxing on the River Avon at high tide. She emphasized that much of the floating waste is inaccessible from the harbourside, making boat-based volunteer efforts essential.

The initiative has since been managed by All Aboard Watersports. Data collected between 2021 and 2023 shows that 236 volunteers extracted more than 880kg (1940lb) of waste from the harbour, with nearly 390kg (859lbs) sent for recycling.

Despite the successes, the future of the project faces uncertainty as existing funding draws to a close. All Aboard Watersports has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfunder, aiming to raise an initial £5,000 to sustain operations.

Charley Peak-Payne, representing All Aboard Watersports, highlighted the tangible environmental benefits resulting from the clean-up efforts. He stated that the harbour water has become considerably cleaner, allowing the organization to host swimming events in the area—a feat he claimed would have been impossible a decade ago due to pollution levels.

To mark the anniversary, the group will participate in World Cleanup Day with a community event later this year. Residents are invited to join a self-guided litter pick between 10:00 and 12:00 BST, either walking along the harbourside or using personal watercraft.

Reflecting on the project’s growth from five participants in its inaugural 2016 clean-up to its current status, Juyon expressed pride in the community’s collective effort, stating, “For me, it really demonstrates the power of community.”