Mud, Eels, and Everything in Between: Behind the Scenes of Clevedon Marine Lake’s Big Clean-Up

I learned the hard way — wearing wellybobs is a big mistake.

Yep I'm talking about the big clean at Clevedon Marine Lake. It gets done twice a year and is supported and organised by voluteers, so I thought what better way to spend a muddy morning?

You can come for the day or just a few hours but joining the Clevedon Marine Lake clean-up is a muddy, slippery, and surprisingly fun experience! So if you’re thinking of joining, here’s a little guide on what you can expect:

Litter Picking: Discovering Hidden Treasures

The day kicks off with litter picking, and there’s always plenty of help if your wellies get stuck — you’ll never be left stranded. Mind you if you go into the mini boating lake - be sure to take a buddy to take your photo when you go face first as the mud here is super thick!

It's like going on a treasure hunt! You'll find everything from Swanky sunglasses from those pontoon bomb sessions in the summer, Diamond engagement rings which have slipped off, a child's favourite teddy lost whilst swimming, as well as your usual bottles, crisp packets and crabbing nets all get collected up and cleaned away.

The Eel Catch: A Slimy, Slippery Adventure

Next comes the infamous eel catch — It's exactly what it sounds like! You hunt the eels, pop them in your bucket to keep them from drying out, and later release them back into the Bristol Channel. Be warned — they are super fast, surprisingly large, and love digging themselves into the mud. It’s a slippery, slinky challenge, and a highlight of the day for anyone who loves hands-on wildlife encounters.

Scrubbing, Barnacle Removal, and Team Spirit

After the eel catch, the tasks shift to scrubbing the various steps, barnacle removal from the pontoon and scrubbing the kids splash pool area — all vital for keeping the lake safe and clean for swimmers.

Since COVID, Clevedon Marine Lake has never been more popular. The lake has changed massively over the years, and thanks to local support and funding, it’s now a place the whole town can be proud of. It's continued upkeep relies entirely on volunteers giving their time and effort — from litter picking to scrubbing, every bit helps keep the lake safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

Participating in the clean-up isn’t just about mud and eels; it’s about being part of a community that cares for this incredible space. Even if you can only spare an hour, it’s a fun, muddy adventure, a chance to meet like-minded locals, and an experience you definitely won’t forget!