Show me the money! Our SUPsect Water Wombles scored epic summertime conditions for this month’s river-clean litterpick yesterday as we got back to Sandford Mill Lock to clear that stretch of the River Chelmer down to Stonham’s. With thanks to Chelmsford City Council for allowing us access to the car-park, courtesy of Cllr Rich. Gratifyingly not the worst we’ve seen that stretch – but we still got tyres, traffic cones, signage, alongside lighters, cans, bottles and wrappers. Most notably, our first ever fire extinguisher … and a cash-money waterproof fiver! Great to see so many familiar faces; we had a lovely afternoon in the sun. And good to be able to cheer on so many of the Farleigh Hospice walkers on their annual charity fundraiser.

We’re confirmed for our next SUPsect Water Wombles litterpick, this Sunday 11th May – when we’ve got access at Sandford Mill to clear that stretch of the Chelmer. 11.30am (please don’t be any earlier as the gates won’t be open) ahead of a c. midday start. With many thanks again to Cllr Rich for organising access, we are able to park at Sandford Mill, CM2 6NY: but beware the postcode taking you to a dead end on the wrong side of the Mill! Drive south from Chelmer Village on Sandford Mill Road or Brook End Road to https://w3w.co/cities.crush.tame where the gates are arranged be open to us from 11.30am.