Volunteers in Ellesmere, north Shropshire, have been able to remove litter from The Mere due to significantly reduced water levels. The summer has been recorded as one of the hottest and driest, leading to low water levels in lakes and rivers across the UK.
Ellesmere park ranger Lee Fraser stated that he and volunteers have collected "five big bucket loads" of litter, covering half the distance of the town's promenade. Items found include bricks, pottery, and mobile phones.
Fraser noted that this year's method of standing in the water made it easier to spot debris compared to previous attempts from a boat. He also indicated that it would likely take a considerable amount of time for The Mere's water levels to recover, despite recent heavy rains.