Category Archives: Cardiff

It’s No Laughing Matter

When doing his regular litter-pick of Canal Park on Sunday morning (2 August), Dave King found rather more than he expected — over 700 little silver canisters.

The canisters contained ‘laughing gas’ (nitrous oxide). People buy the canisters and then transfer the contents into a larger container (usually a balloon),  from which they then inhale.

Laughing gas can produce a short-lived feeling of mild euphoria and fits of the giggles (hence the name). However, it can also result headaches and nausea. And if you inhale too much at one time,  it can cause unconsciousness or even death through suffocation .

The canisters are sold for catering purposes — eg, to charge whipped-cream machines —  but it’s illegal to supply them (ie, to sell or even just give them away) for human consumption.

After tweeting about his find, Dave was contacted by news outlets and ended up on both BBC and ITV television news, and was featured in two online articles.


BBC News

ITV News


ITV News article
More than 700 cannisters of laughing gas found at one Cardiff Park   (And yes, they do spell canister with two ‘n’s.)

Wales Online articleHundreds of ‘laughing gas’ canisters found in just one Cardiff park

 

 

Next CRG Event: Return to Hailey Park

Back by public demand, for our next event, Cardiff Rivers Group will be returning to Hailey Park to take advantage of the low water to continue the clean-up this area.

We are looking to remove as much filth as we can from the river banks as well as from the river itself.

At this time of year, we need to be mindful that the bird nesting season is in full swing and will ensure we stick to the paths and minimize disruption for the birds.

As ever anyone and everyone welcome to join us, meeting at the changing rooms.

Afterwards, we’ll be popping in the Royal Exchange for a well-earned pint if you would like to join us.

Details:

Meet time:         09:45

Start Time:          10:00-12:00

Day:                       Sunday

Date:                     26/04/2014

Meet:                   Hailey Park changing rooms

Parking:              Hailey Park changing rooms

Look out for the truck with the CRG logo.

haileypark1
As usual, all tools and equipment will be provided.

Please check the weather forecast and if appropriate, bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather.

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers.

Come with us and ‘Make a difference!’.

Next CRG: Mothers Day at Blackweir

On Sunday the 15th March, the next Cardiff Rivers Group event will be continuing their clean-up of the iconic River Taff, this time visiting Blackweir and surrounding areas.

As well as a general litter pick of the area, we will be tackling edges of the river as there is always a lot washed up debris from over the winter period.
Those brave souls who don’t mind getting wet, can don a pair of waders and will work downstream from the weir. There will be a limited by the number of waders available.
The others will either support the people in the rivers from the bank or litter pick either side of the river and surrounding areas. With Bute Park on one side, Pontcanna fields and the Dock feeder, this area has huge potential.Those travelling by car can park at the Pontcanna fields changing rooms and then follow the path walk across the park to Blackweir bridge.

Please note that it’s a 5-10 minutes’ walk from the changing rooms to Blackweir bridge.

At the bridge, look out for the truck with the Cardiff Rivers Group logo.

Details:

Meet time:         13:45

Start Time:          14:00-16:00

Day:                       Sunday

Date:                     15/03/2015

Meet:                   Blackweir bridge (Pontcanna fields side)

Parking:               Pontcanna changing rooms

pontcanna

As usual, all tools and equipment will be provided.Please bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather. If you do fancy going in the water in waders, please bring spare clothes just in case you get wet!

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers

Come with us on and ‘Make a difference!’ and as its Mother Sunday, why not bring your Mum along..!

CRG Event 101: Radyr Weir, 21st Feb

Starting with the next CRG event, following the highly successful 100th event, for number 101, we’re back to the Taff, Cardiff’s iconic river for our next river clean.

On Saturday the 21st Feb, the Cardiff Rivers Group event will return to the banks of Radyr Weir now that the knot weed has died back and the water levels are low.

As well as a general litter pick of the area, we will tackle the river bank as there will be a lot washed up over the winter period. It should be easy for us to improve the area.

This time we are offering two parking locations for people living on each side of the river!

The best parking place is on Longwood Drive as shown on the map below.

For directions simply aim for Junction 32 on the M4. Then follow the signs for the Superstore (Asda). At the roundabout for Asda, instead of taking a left to Asda and McDonalds carry straight across to Longwood drive. Follow the road around the bend until you see the Purple truck with the Cardiff Rivers Group Logo. It’s a fair way down the road.

This parking location is nearest to the weir so should be easier.

For those comfortable with Radyr Station, please continue to use this location and walk across the bridge to meet us at the weir.

Details:

Meet time:         09:45

Start Time:          10:00-12:00

Day:                       Saturday

Date:                     21/02/2015

Meet:                   Longwood Drive, Forest Farm

Parking:               Longwood Drive, Forest Farm


As usual, all tools and equipment will be provided.

Please bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather.

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers

Come with us on and ‘Make a difference!’

CRG Celebrates Its Century In Style

From the Group’s humble start back in 2009, five years on, we’ve finally done it and achieved the major landmark of 100 events!

To celebrate our ton-up, we will be litter picking the beach area alongside the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay. This is an area we tackled a year ago, so know how messy it gets. The water level will be dropped to expose more of the beach. Following Harbour Authority guidance, for Health and Safety reasons, we won’t be entering the water.

After the event, we’ll be having refreshments and a piece of the “100th Event” cake.

We are hoping for media coverage of our event. Firstly, the “Made In Cardiff” film crew may be accompanying us to show what we do on their local TV station. BBC Wales will also be contacted to see if on Friday the 30th, the weather person covering that night can advertise our event and give us the weather we can expect. Perhaps Wynn Evans from Radio Wales can mention our event on his ‘Big Welsh weekend’ where he advertises  events in the principality. Paulus, one of our regular volunteers, will also be busy which his camera, interviewing and taking sound bytes to create his own video to celebrate the event.

Messy beach, iconic Cardiff attraction, cake, media coverage, what more could we ask for?

For those unfamiliar with the area, see the map below. The postcode is CF10 4GA.

Details:

Time:                     10:00-12:00

Date:                     Saturday 31st January

Meeting time:  09:45

Parking:               Wherever you can!

Look out for the purple truck with the CRG logo parked opposite Univar.

Please check the weather forecast and if appropriate, bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather.

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers.

Come with us and ‘Make a difference!’

CRG Elves clean up around the Castle

On a cold, crisp and even December morning, a team of 20 hard-working elves (under the strict direction of Santa of course!) from Cardiff Rivers Group busily tidied and managed the habitat along the Dock feeder behind Cardiff Castle. The elves brought some Christmas cheer to passers-by, runners, cyclists alike who wanted to share their moment with the busy elves who happily posed for photos and (s)elfies. More photos of the event can be seen on our Flickr Page.

As well as a general litter pick of Bute Park on 13 December, the main focus was on cutting back vegetation that had self-seeded along the banks of the feeder near the castle walls. The council had requested the help of CRG to remove trees before they begin to flourish and so undermine the historic castle walls.

The elves busily sorted the vegetation prior to removal by Cardiff Parks Services. They ensured that cut-down vegetation was put to good use by preparing a large number of stakes for a hedge-laying project that will take place n Pontcanna allotments. Cardiff Parks Services supplied a vehicle and made numerous trips back to Wedal Road with the remainder of the vegetation for chipping, ensuring that no mess was left behind on this important Cardiff icon.

The Elves were rewarded for their efforts with CRG-branded mince pies which were kindly baked by Committee member, Sarah Owen.

Sarah commented, “I thought it would be great to reward the elves after all their hard work. This is such a great group of people and I wanted to do something nice for the volunteers who have given up their Saturday for the benefit of the environment. It’s always good to see everyone for clean ups and socials alike! I’m really looking forward to our 99th event in the New Year”

Cardiff Rivers Group would like to thank the press, its partners and, of course, all the volunteers who have sacrificed their spare time for our cause and for the benefit of the environment, throughout the year, come rain or shine.

Next CRG Event: return to Hamadryad Park

As river levels are high and the water is fast flowing, we will return to the safety of the shores of Hamadryad Park.

This park is always a hot spot for litter and floating debris especially under the flyover.

There is also an inlet where some reed management may be needed.

We are hoping to attract a large group of volunteers as we know there is always a lot to do in this area.

For those unfamiliar with the area, see the map below which shows meeting place.

Details:

Meet time:         10:45

Event Time:        11:00-13:00

Day:                       Sunday

Date:                     16/11/2014

Meet:                   Clarence Embankment entrance to Hamadryad Park

Parking:               Clarence Embankment, Hamadryad Park

Look out for the truck with the CRG logo.

We will rendezvous at the Purple truck at the Clarence Embankment entrance to the park. There is normally plenty of car parking should you need it.

Please check the weather forecast and if appropriate, bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather.

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers.

Come with us and ‘Make a difference!’.

Sophia, So Good!

On Sunday 21st September, in the glorious sunshine, 28 volunteers from Cardiff Rivers Group took part in Keep Wales Tidy’s ‘Tidy Wales Week’ as they cleaned the River Taff and area surrounding Sophia Gardens.

The happy team were joined by 3 local PCSO’s (Bernie, Matt and Adam) and Iona Gordon, local councillor on their busy event.

Together they collected  21 bags of rubbish, 4 trolleys, 1 motorbike, 4 bikes, 1 lorry tyre, plastic road barriers, and a surf board! They also, separated out 15 bags of recyclable waste (carelessly discarded cans and bottles) and took them Bessemer Road for recycling.

As a goodwill gesture, a relatively clean and dry duvet found by Dan, was recycled and given to a homeless chap who was sleeping rough under an evergreen tree alongside Sport Wales.

Councillor Iona Gordon, Riverside Ward said, “Thank you Cardiff Rivers Group for getting the Riverside banks so much cleaner. It was hard work but fun joining in. To see the river bank and verges next to the Taff Trail so clear of litter and trash cans really made my day. What a great crowd of volunteers – let me know about the next clear up.”

All volunteers enjoyed a well-deserved drink after the event!

The event saw a nominee for next years’ TAFFTA awards as new recruit Ian Holgate, turned up on Saturday for the event making him the earliest attender ever J. Well done Ian.

More photos of the event can be seen on our Flickr page.

Waste was collected by Cardiff Council Parks Services.  Cardiff Rivers Group are supported by Keep Wales Tidy and work as part of the Tidy Towns initiative, funded by Welsh Government. They always welcome new volunteers, so please contact Nigel Barry nigel@cardiffriversgroup.org.uk if you would like to take part. For more information please visit www.cardiffriversgroup.org.uk or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Tidy Wales Week – CRG tackles the Taff!

For our next event, as part of Tidy Wales week, Cardiff Rivers Group will tackle the Taff behind the SWALEC stadium and Sport Wales, Sophia gardens.

The river is particularly low at the moment and the beaches are exposed making it ideal for a clean-up.

There are a few eye sores that we can sort out quickly e.g. at least one trolley, a bike and some other debris in the shallow water, plus plenty of litter along the sides of the Taff Trail.

If anyone fancies a pint afterwards, the Mochyn Du is on hand as the nearest pub.

Details:

Meet time:         11:00

Event Time:        11:10-13:00

Day:                       Sunday

Date:                     21/09/2014

Meet:                   At the bottom of the road between the Swalec Stadium and Sport Wales buildings leading to the river

Parking:               Sophia gardens car park or if the car park is full, an alternative is to park at Pontcanna Changing rooms and walk down the Taff Trail to Sophia Gardens.

Look out for the truck with the CRG logo.

sophia gardens

Please check the weather forecast and if appropriate, bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather.

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers.

Come with us and ‘Make a difference!’.

Next CRG Event: Return to Hailey Park

For our next event, Cardiff Rivers Group will be returning for some unfinished business at Hailey Park to continue our previous work to clean-up this area.

The Hailey Park bridge has been open for over a year and from it, there are a few eyesores that we want to remove.

We will be working around the park and along the Taff trail as well as cleaning up the river under the bridge. There are patches of balsam that could also be removed.

There is something for everyone at this site.

Afterwards, we’ll be popping in the Royal Exchange for a well-earned pint if you would like to join us.

Details:

Meet time:         09:45

Start Time:          10:00-12:00

Day:                       Saturday

Date:                     09/08/2014

Meet:                   Hailey Park changing rooms

Parking:               Hailey Park changing rooms

haileyparkmap

Look out for the truck with the CRG logo.

As usual, all tools and equipment will be provided.

Please check the weather forecast and if appropriate, bring waterproof clothing in case of wet weather.

Please let me know if you can make it so we can gauge the numbers.

Come with us and ‘Make a difference!’.