Litter fishing

The crystal clear waters of the Leiden canals contain an abundance of wildlife due to correct water management. However, there are also places which are littered with plastics and other man made materials. That’s why we’ll be on the water again with our fleet of canoes!

Due to Corona the 21 March session is cancelled

Epic Canoeing Mission Merenwijk!
21 March another session in the Leiden Merenwijk. We’ll paddle four kilometres from the city centre to the starting location. We even need to lift the boats over a small dike halfway! Also several really low tunnels and the legendary Stinking Ditch. So, fancy an adventure? Let me know!

What is it we’ll do?
We’ll depart no later than 10 AM from the Oude Singel in Leiden with the fleet. When we arrive at eleven at the Regenboogkerk in the Merenwijk we’ll have a cup of coffee or tea first, followed by a session of litter fishing. A member of our crew will map the litter (or lack of it) with the special app Crowdwater. Afterwards we’ll paddle back to the city centre.
It’s quite an expedition, but if you’re not afraid for some serious action you will have a great day on the water!

Other option: board in the Merenwijk!
We need some paddlers who think it’s fun to bring the boats to the Merenwijk. Once there the other participants can board the just arrived canoes. So, if you want you can also be at 11:00 AM at the Regenboogkerk en just board! Just let me know what’s your preference.

General information
Armed with nets, litter pickers and other materials, we’re going to extract litter from the water. All materials are made available, including the canoes. If you want to bring your own canoe or kayak, please do!

Stay informed
If you want to get updates, I can put you on the mailing list, just send an e-mail to our canoe-coordinator Daniël Siepman and you’ll get the newsletter!

No costs
Participating is free, we’re more than grateful for your efforts! During or after each session, we get together for a free cup of coffee or another beverage.

Kids
Also welcome! Best is to take a two-persons canoe with an adult and a child in it. Children usually want to go litter fishing, while the adult does the paddling! It’s also the safest approach: one-to-one supervision. Consider a life jacket!

Further info

  • Make sure to put on old clothes!
  • Your telephone can be put in our watertight container
  • Take something to drink and eat with you
  • Bringing your own boat? Use cheap paddles! The canal walls may damage your nice (carbon) paddles. We have a limited amount of paddles for these circumstances.
  • We bring bags, pickers, nets, rings, gloves, etcetera

Safety
Especially on nice, sunny days it can be busy on the water with all kinds of small, motorised boats. It’s a friendly, slow going happening. We have priority in our canoes, but never enforce it. We are in no hurry and just wait where necessary. For additional visibility, we wear a bright coloured vest.