What We Do

The work of Cardiff Rivers Group involves:

  • Tackling litter and waste on paths next to watercourses.
  • Removal of rubbish from rivers, streams and ponds.
  • Clearing blockages and improving water flow.
  • Habitat management, such as cutting back overhanging trees that collect water-borne debris and reduce light, and reducing invasive species like Himalayan Balsam.
  • Access and amenity improvements.
  • Lobbying and consulting with relevant bodies to improve the quality of the environment in South Wales.

We have over 750 volunteers on our membership list and have a very diverse range of volunteers, from all walks of life and of all ages — from toddlers (with their parents,  of course!) to people in their 70s (and possibly beyond).

We hold events roughly every three weeks, which have attracted as many as 132 volunteers (a massive clean-up after Storm Dennis, in 2020).

We have also taken part in special events such as:

  • Cleaning the streets of Olympic torch route,
  • Iolo’s Great Welsh Parks (Bute Park) TV programme (screened on 06/01/2013)
  • Cleaning up after the Ashes, Cardiff Blues Rugby games and Varsity games.
  • Supporting the clean-up after the Cardiff Mardi Gras.
  • Coast Path Clean up Weekend.
  • Keep Wales Tidy events in South Wales.

For a more detailed history of CRG, from its foundation to 2017, please download The Journey So Far, written by Nigel Barry.

The number of organisations that support or partner Cardiff Rivers Group is ever-increasing. They include EMR Metal Recycling, Viridor, Cardiff Council, Cardiff Parks Services, Keep Wales Tidy, Friends of Forest Farm, ACE (Action in Caerau & Ely), Keep Grangetown Tidy, Associated British Ports, Natural Resources Wales, Llandaff Rowing Club, McDonalds, UK Patents Office (IPO) and South Wales Police.

Some of these local companies support our efforts through generously donating their scrap or other items, which we are able to sell to raise funds for tools and equipment.

See Our Partners & Supporters for more information.

CRG is now well-established as an voluntary community organisation that makes a real difference in Cardiff and surrounding areas. In doing so, it helps to build community spirit and engagement, assists and develops individuals, and fosters working partnerships across all sectors.

Most importantly, our volunteers have fun!