Make a difference to Oldham's waterways

Greater Manchester’s waterways are transformed into spectacular corridors of red and gold, during Autumn, as the turning leaves are reflected in the water. 

While they are great spots for a selfie, the Canal & River Trust is encouraging people in Oldham, to pick up a piece of plastic as they pose for their perfect picture.

As the waterways and wellbeing charity that looks after 400 miles of canals in North West, the Trust knows how important water is to the nation’s physical and mental health. 

However, 80% of plastics in the oceans comes from inland, and the Trust’s research shows that 500,000 pieces of plastic end up in the sea from inland waterways every year.  

The Trust is calling on waterway lovers to take action and make a difference.  If every person who visited their local canal picked up a piece of rubbish and took it away with them, the waterways could be plastic-free in a year.

This autumn the Trust wants people in Greater Manchester to take on the Plastics Challenge and help make a difference to the health of the waterways:

You can pick up just one piece of plastic:

Take a photo with it and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PlasticsChallenge

Take it home with and either bin it or recycle it correctly

Greater Manchester is full of great spots to enjoy the changing season and take some great photos. 

While every stretch of waterway has its charms, these places offer some particularly spectacular scenery: Chadderton, Marple Lock Flight, Stalybridge and Uppermill.

Daniel Greenhalgh regional director at the Trust, said: “Autumn is one of the loveliest times to visit the canals, as the turning leaves transform them into glorious corridors of orange, brown, red and gold. 

"But sometimes the rustle of fallen leaves is actually the sound of a discarded crisp packet or a piece of plastic.  We want people in Greater Manchester to join us in taking action on plastic pollution. 

"Autumn is a great time to get involved – come along for a walk and, if you find any litter, pick it up and take it home to recycle. 

"Or get creative and find a picturesque backdrop to showcase your action and share the results with us!  Being by the water makes people healthier and happier so, whatever you choose to do, a trip to Lancashire’s waterways is the perfect way to enjoy an autumnal afternoon.”

#PlasticsChallenge on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram 

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