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RECYCLING BINS

Recycling bins for newspaper, glass, plastics and cans are sited on the bicycle barge ( i.e. diverted from landfill) with the support of Southwark Council Recycling services). It is intended that this recycling will be extended to include cardboard and other household waste which would then raise our rate to more than 80%.

COMPOSTING BINS

There are currently 6 composting bins situated on the garden barges (to be increased to 8). These composters take both garden cuttings and kitchen waste, and the resulting compost is then used to organically fertilise the gardens.

WORMERIES

At present, 90% of the barge households run small wooden wormeries that, again, take organic kitchen waste. The high quality compost formed is then used for indoor and deck plants. These wormeries were provided by CRISP (community recycling in Southwark Project), funded by The Cross River Parnership and manufactured by St. Mungoes Workshop for the Homeless.

Other Initiatives

BIRD SANCTUARY
One member of the community operates a wild bird sanctuary. Over the past two years she has rescued, fostered, and returned successfully to the river habitat, various wild birds that have either been injured or orphaned. To date these include several generations of ducks/ducklings and a herring gull.

BIRD FEEDERS
There are already several bird feeders situated on the gardens and some of the barges. These are particularly important during the winter months when other sources of food are scarce

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
A Feasibility Study is currently being initiated to assess appropriate systems for the moorings - using sun, light, wind, and river (tidal flow, current, washes). It is hoped that this will be led by one of the London Universities, but we would welcome contact from any organisation that might be interested in participating in this challenging project and possibly create a model for other river communities.

BIODIVERSITY STUDY
Again, the possibility of an ongoing and seasonal biodiversity study is being explored, hopefully to involve local universities or colleges, and at some levels, local schools.

GARDEN WATERING SYSTEM
It is intended to set up a watering system for the garden barges - pumping river water up through hosepipes and sprinklers. This is at the research stage.

MINI PONDS ON THE GARDEN BARGES
Plans are underway to establish small ponds on the garden barges - introducing vertebrates such as frogs and newts. These will foster various forms of plants and micro-life that in turn will attract more birds.

EDUCATIONAL RIVER STUDIES BARGE
A proposed future project, at the discussion stage - with staff from a local secondary school. This may well evolve into a River Studies Centre - hopefully funded and supported by the GLA, environmental organisations, and local businesses

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