Stacey Dooley Puts A Spotlight On Group Helping To Keep Rochdale Canal Clean

A renowned journalist and documentary maker made a visit to Northern Lily CIC, a social enterprise in Failsworth that helps to keep Rochdale canal clean.

The organisation was proud to welcome Stacey Dooley and a BBC production team as part of filming for an upcoming BBC series exploring the UK’s litter crisis and the communities taking action to tackle it. 

The visit highlighted the paddle‑sport litter picks that Northern Lily CIC has been delivering on the canal in Failsworth over the last 12 months, funded by Oldham Council. 

The project has empowered residents of all ages from 12 years to 65 years to get out on the water, learn new paddle skills, and remove significant amounts of waste from the local environment. 

Over the past year, Northern Lily’s volunteers have taken part in regular paddle clean‑ups on the canal, collecting everything from plastic bottles and food packaging to tyres, trolleys and even large fly‑tipped items like fire extinguishers and mattresses. 

The initiative forms part of Northern Lily’s wider mission to support communities in Greater Manchester to connect with nature, build confidence outdoors, and take practical action for local biodiversity both on land and water. 

Dooley met volunteers, heard first‑hand stories from participants, and joined Northern Lily’s team to learn how paddle‑based clean‑ups work in practice. The BBC crew captured the challenges and successes of the project, shining a light on the environmental pressures facing urban waterways and the power of grassroots action. 

Victoria Holden, Founder of Northern Lily CIC, said: “It’s been an incredible year of community‑led action on the water. Our volunteers have shown just how much difference local people can make when they’re given the tools, training and support to protect the places they love. 

“We’re delighted that Stacey and the BBC chose to visit Failsworth and share the story of what’s happening here.” 

The BBC series, due to air later this year, will explore the scale of litter across the UK and celebrate the organisations working to change the narrative through education, community involvement and hands‑on environmental action. 

Northern Lily extends its thanks to Oldham Council for funding the paddle‑sport litter pick programme and to all volunteers who have contributed their time, energy and enthusiasm over the past 12 months. The project is looking for a new sponsor for the Paddle Sports Litter picks to continue contact northernlilyuk@gmail.com