Some Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!) about Cardiff Rivers Group. If you have a question that’s not answered here, please contact us.
How do I join Cardiff Rivers Group?
Just come along to any of our events! That's all there is to it.
If you sign up to our mailing list we’ll send you details of each event a week in advance.
And we also post details of events on our Facebook page and Twitter feed around a week ahead.
How do I find out about future events?
We have a calendar of upcoming events.
If you sign up to our mailing list we'll send you details of each event a week in advance.
And we also post details of events on our Facebook page and Twitter feed around a week ahead.
What do I need to wear?
We often work in wet and muddy conditions, so please wear sensible footwear — eg, stout shoes, boots or wellies — and clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Long sleeves/trousers can also be a good idea, as there are often nettles around.
For the more adventurous, who’d like to really get into the water, we usually have a few pairs of chest-waders* available to borrow (plus buoyancy-aids, for safety).
* which may or may not leak a bit.
We provide all the tools and safety equipment required — eg, gloves, litter-pickers, bags, hoops, etc.
Given that we're in Wales, it's always sensible to bring something waterproof, in case it rains. And if you're planning on coming to the pub afterwards — a regular post-event activity — even a change of clothes (or at least a clean t-shirt) might be useful.
What days are events held on? And what time do they start?
Most of our events are held on a Saturday or Sunday morning. We also hold quite a few events on weekdays (Monday– Friday) mornings.
Our events usually start at 09:45. If there's any reason for an event to start at a different time, it will be stated in the notifications we send by email and post on social media.
All events start with a safety briefing, so we'd strongly advise that you get there in time for that, so that you're covered by our insurance.
How long do events last?
They usually last 2 hours. So, after the safety briefing at 09:45, and getting kitted-up as required, the event proper would start at 10:00 and run until 12:00.
Very occasionally, an event may be longer than 2 hours, but that will be clear when we announce it, and there's no obligation to stay until the end anyway.
Do I have to stay to the end?
No, of course not. You need only stay as long as you want — any amount of time you can give makes a difference.
But, if you do decide to leave early, please return any equipment to the CRG truck and tell someone you're going, so we don't organise a search party!
How physically demanding is it?
As much or as little as you want, from picking up drinks bottles and crisp packets, to digging lorry wheels out of river beds — it all makes a difference!
Can children come to events?
Children are very welcome, but under-16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/responsible adult.
Can dogs come to events?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Dogs that like to help are especially welcome.
Who can I report rubbish to?
- A lone object — eg, a traffic cone, tyre, or pallet that has been dumped in a river or stream — can be reported via our Masked Avenger service
- Abandoned shopping trolleys can be reported using the Trolleywise app (iPhone and Android)
- Fly-tipping should be reported to Cardiff Council.
Can CRG organise an event for my business, organisation or group?
We don’t organise specific events for businesses or other organisations, but groups from them are very welcome to come along to any of our events.
Please see our Policy on Working with Businesses and Other Organisations for full details.
I'm a student journalist. Can I interview someone from CRG?
As you can imagine, we get a lot of requests like this.
We’re obviously keen on publicity. However, because we’re an entirely voluntary organisation, we have limited time and resources. So, if you want an interview, you need to come along to one of our events and help out. That way you get to experience what we do first-hand and get a better understanding of what we’re about. After that, we’ll be happy to have a chat.
Our upcoming events are listed on http://cardiffriversgroup.org.uk/events.
If you sign up to our mailing list at https://cardiffriversgroup.org.uk/mailing-list we’ll send you details of each event a week in advance.
And we also post details of events on our Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/cardiffrivers — around a week ahead.
Can someone from CRG give a talk at my school/club/organisation?
We’re a completely voluntary group, with limited resources, and many of us have regular commitments. We regret, therefore, that we're unable to do talks or presentations.