Spotlight on: RiverCare leader Bruce Langley

This month, we’re celebrating Wivenhoe RiverCare Group Leader Bruce Langley.  

Bruce Langley first started litter-picking after joining the Wivenhoe Canoe and Kayak Club. He would remove the odd item floating by on the water.  

“I became increasingly concerned about the amount of litter on the riverbanks and in 2016 we joined RiverCare/BeachCare and I became the Wivenhoe RiverCare Group lead,” Bruce shared.  

As well as organising litter-picks both on foot and on the water from kayaks, Bruce told us: “My wife Liz and I kayak throughout the year and litter pick on most occasions. We also litter pick the riverbanks on foot when time and tides allow.” 

Bruce explains tackling litter and pollution in his local river is important, adding: “Not only is it beneficial for my health and mental wellbeing but it is also really gratifying knowing that we are making a positive difference to our local river habitats and the wildlife that uses it, hopefully preventing death or injury and stopping litter from getting out to our seas and oceans.” 

The impact of Bruce and his volunteers is clear to see. He told us that the Roman River just opposite Wivenhoe is now virtually litter-free with just a small amount of litter visible each time they pick along it.  

And thanks to their perseverance and hard work, Wivenhoe RiverCare Group has generated a great deal of media attention to the cause. As well as working with local news, the group’s participation in the Great British Spring Clean and World Rivers Day has helped reach audiences nationwide.  

Bruce has also built strong relationships with Colchester City Council, thanks in part to his previous work as a park ranger at Colchester Castle Park.  

“I am fortunate to have a number of former colleagues that I can contact if needed,” Bruce told us. “The council also has a Litter Warriors programme which provides equipment and support to those of us who take personal responsibility to keep where we live looking clean and litter free.” 

A crucial aspect of Bruce’s work with RiverCare is his success in engaging young people in litter-picking. As well as working with the University of Essex’s volunteering team, Bruce had a group of 12 air cadets from 308 Squadron Colchester Air Cadets and also four sea cadets from the Colchester Sea Cadets work with him on a recent pick marking World Rivers Day. 

Litter-picking is great for the planet and great for the local community, but it’s also had some benefits for Bruce personally.  

“Being on or near water has a calming effect and kayaking gives me a different perspective of my surroundings, allowing me to experience things that I may not normally get to see or hear,” he told us. 

“Litter picking gives me the satisfaction of leaving the river and its banks looking good, but knowing that I make a difference to the wildlife and the habitat that it lives in is a great feeling.” 

RiverCare & BeachCare Programme Manager Hannah Drury said: “Bruce’s willingness to go above and beyond in advocating for the protection of our waterways is an exceptional demonstration of commitment and service, not only to our environment and its wildlife, but to the community and our young people. We are immensely proud to have had Bruce as a fantastic RiverCare Group Leader over the past eight years, and are grateful for his continued hard work and dedication!” 

If you’re a litter-picker and you want to keep up-to-date, you can register as a Litter Hero. You’ll get the latest litter-picking news, campaigns and events, access to exclusive resources, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications to join our Litter Heroes Ambassador programme open. You can learn more about our regional projects like RiverCare & BeachCare on our website.  

*originally published 01/11/2024*