Volunteers in Edinburgh have taken on a huge clean-up operation in the Water of Leith.
Members of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust took to social media to show just how much rubbish and items from fly tippers they found in the river.
While treating 400 giant hogweeds around the Murraryburn, the group pulled out three trolleys, car tyres, mattresses and wet wipes among other items.
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Taking to Twitter, the group shared images that showed a heap of waste that they cleaned up from the river.
They wrote: "A big difference made on the Murraryburn, a tributary of the Water of Leith. We don't often get here which explains the three trollies car tyres, mattresses, wet wipes and more that were removed. Whilst also treating 400 giant hogweeds.
Hogweed is now known as invasive species and it can be found throughout much of the UK, especially around river banks where its seeds are transported by the water. Due to its danger to other plants, animals and to humans, it is important that giant hogweed is reported and treated.
The volunteering group have said they are now planning to go up near Hermiston Gait in order to "continue to kill off the source".
Speaking earlier this year, Johnathan Wells, 45, a ranger who works with the Leith Conservation Trust, told Edinburgh Live about the amazing work that is carried out by volunteers all year round, saying: “It’s mostly volunteers who carry out regular maintenance on it whether that be cutting back vegetation, sweeping leaves, emptying drainage channels and picking up litter.
“They carry out around 7,000 hours a year and we do that with a mixture of our own volunteers, community groups, youth groups and corporate groups. It’s my job to get people outside and make a difference to their community.”
The City of Edinburgh Council states fly tipping as dumping anything on public land. It can be anything from a bin bag next to a bin to a mattress or garden waste on the street or in a park - and is illegal.
The council can also issue fixed penalty notices of £200 for fly tipping. Courts can impose a penalty of up to £40,000 or imprisonment
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