What happens when politics, paddleboarding, and the passion to protect our planet collide?
On Saturday 9th August 2025, Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin joined residents for a paddleboarding litter pick organised by the Planet Patrol team, in partnership with Bedford-based adventure company Canoe Trail.
The event brought together eight local volunteers, including Mr Yasin and his team, who took to paddleboards equipped with litter pickers and buckets to collect waste from the water. In total, 110 pieces of litter were removed and recorded in the Planet Patrol app.
Speaking after the clean-up, Mohammad Yasin MP said:
“I had a brilliant time taking part in Planet Patrol’s paddleboarding litter pick – which ended up being quite the workout! It was inspiring to see local people coming together in such an engaging way to protect the waterways we all care about.
“This initiative not only helps clear visible pollution, but also proves the value of citizen science by collecting valuable data on the litter levels. Together, we removed 110 pieces of litter, all of which have been logged and tracked through Planet Patrol’s app. Looking after our waterways starts with us – through small actions we can make a big difference.”
Citizen Science in Action
Planet Patrol Founder Lizzie Carr MBE praised the involvement of community leaders, adding:
“It’s so important that community leaders show their commitment to cleaner UK waterways. So thank you to Mohammad Yasin MP and the rest of the group for taking part in this event.”
Since launching in 2016, Planet Patrol has empowered over 35,000 volunteers across 113 countries, who have collectively logged more than 400,000 pieces of litter. The data collected through the Planet Patrol app plays a crucial role in influencing national policy and highlighting pollution hotspots.
Combining Adventure with Environmental Action
The event was co-hosted by Canoe Trail, an award-winning Bedford adventure business founded by husband-and-wife team Richard and Ashley in 2005. Based at Kempston Outdoor Centre, Canoe Trail offers paddleboard, canoe, and kayak hire, as well as outdoor expeditions and woodland camping.
Ashley Kenlock, CEO of Canoe Trail, said: “We had a fantastic day with members from the community, combining paddleboarding with cleaning up the river. We’re out picking litter each day and every piece removed makes a difference – it’s about enjoying the outdoors, protecting the place we love, and the wildlife that live here too.”
How You Can Get Involved
Want to make a difference in your local area? Join a Planet Patrol clean-up event or download the Planet Patrol app to start recording litter wherever you are. Whether you’re paddleboarding, or just on a walk, your efforts help build vital data that drives environmental change.