The Nomadic Litterpickers group organised their second clean-up event in Little Venice and Westbourne Park on Sunday, November 16.
The boat dwellers, who live on north London’s waterways, took to the towpath of Little Venice and Westbourne Park with gloves and rubbish bags.
They filled 31 bags with waste, including cans, glass and plastic bottles, wrappers, and other debris.
Their first litter-pick took place in Tottenham in October, when they collected 30 sacks of rubbish.
Alain Gough-Olaya, a spokesperson for the group, said: “As travelling boat dwellers, we feel a strong connection to the waterways and care about them and surrounding areas.”
Jack Rocket, who joined the litter-pick, said: “Litter picking may seem like an unpleasant task but when there’s a group of you, the camaraderie makes it enjoyable and seeing an immediate improvement is rewarding.”
The group plans to continue their clean-up efforts in the areas they travel through.
Their actions come as the Canal and River Trust considers legislation changes, which the boat dwellers fear may threaten their way of life.
Marcus Trower, deputy chair of the National Bargee Travellers Association, said: “It’s an example of why the travelling boat dweller community is worth defending.”
