Tyres, carpets and suitcases were among the items collected by Shakespeare Martineau’s lawyers as part of a litter pick along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal towpath.

An entire barge was filled with rubbish by the law firm’s Birmingham-based corporate team, who gave up their time on Tuesday (31 May) to take part in the volunteering day, which was organised by the Canal & River Trust.

The team started at Cambrian Wharf, which was developed in 1769, before making their way down the canal on a barge – collecting kids’ shoes, clothes, bricks, a step ladder, duvets, cans, bottles and umbrellas along the way. Jody Webb, corporate partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said:

“Canals provide vital access to green and blue spaces, which improve wellbeing and enhance communities. However, too often, litter is dropped along the towpath.

“The damage rubbish causes to our environment, aquatic ecosystems and wildlife is well-documented. We were really surprised at the amount of rubbish we collected over the course of the day, but it shows how much can be done when people give up their time.

“We are proud to have supported the Canal & River Trust in helping to keep our city clean and tidy for use by the local community, as well as in readiness for the Commonwealth Games this summer, and we are looking forward to helping out more over the next 12 months.”

As part of its responsible business strategy, Shakespeare Martineau is aiming to deliver 10,000 volunteering hours in 2022.