The fifth Single Spey River Clean is coming to locations along the Spey from Friday 28th April – Sunday 30th April .
This large-scale environmental initiative was founded and is organised by Tom Rawson from Green Tweed Eco, a teacher at St. Mary’s School in Melrose. Over the years, Rawson has successfully led numerous environmental projects across Scotland, including the Single Spey and Great Borders River Clean, which has removed over 9,000 kg of rubbish from the Spey and Tweed systems.
The Single Spey River Clean aims to raise awareness about river pollution and get young people involved in this important issue. The event has grown to become one of the largest river cleans in Scotland, with more than 100 volunteers collecting hundreds of bags of rubbish in previous years. In total, around 450 volunteers have collected over 2,500 kg of rubbish from the Spey river system.
This year could well be the biggest yet with over 100 volunteers expected to take part as well as a number of primary schools including Aviemore, Craigellachie, Rothes and Gordonstoun.
This year’s river clean will take place on the following dates and locations:
Friday 28th April:
- Aviemore Primary School
- Craigellachie Primary School
- Rothes Primary School
- Fochabers Cricket Club, 15:30
Saturday 29th April:
- East Beach, Lossiemouth, 09:00
- WDC Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, 11:30
- Alice Littler Car Park, Aberlour, 13:30
- Lour Burn, Aberlour Distillery, 15:30
Sunday 30th April:
- Old Bridge, Grantown on Spey, 11:30
- Spey Beach Meadows, Kingussie, 13:00
Other Locations:
- Craigellachie Bridge
- Loch Insh
- RSPB Insh Marshes
- Gordonstoun School
Apart from the river clean, Rawson is currently building 500 birdboxes for distribution along the Spey. These boxes will serve as nesting and shelter habitats for small birds and invertebrates and as an awareness campaign to prevent littering in high footfall areas. The Spey Fishery Board is eager to help identify suitable organizations and landowners to put up these birdboxes.
By participating in the Single Spey River Clean, communities can make a lasting difference in the health of the Spey river system and the environment. Regular action is crucial to maintaining the cleanliness of the river and preserving it for future generations.
We would like to thank Tom and all the volunteers for their amazing commitment to improving the River Spey for all wildlife and river users.
To find out more about Green Tweed Eco visit their website here or Instagram here.
