Television presenter and journalist Stacey Dooley has visited a community environmental project in Failsworth, Oldham, as part of filming for a new BBC series exploring litter across the UK. The programme, set to air later this year, features Northern Lily CIC and its innovative paddle sport litter pick project along the Rochdale Canal.

Northern Lily CIC has spent the past year running paddle sport litter picks in Failsworth with funding from Oldham Council, encouraging local people to take practical action to improve the local environment. The project has involved residents aged between 12 and 65, giving participants the chance to learn paddle skills while helping remove waste from the canal and surrounding areas.

Volunteers involved in the project have collected a wide range of discarded items, including plastic bottles, food packaging, tyres, trolleys, and larger objects such as mattresses and fire extinguishers. The initiative forms part of Northern Lily's wider work supporting communities across Greater Manchester to engage with nature and biodiversity projects.

During her visit, Stacey Dooley met volunteers, spoke with participants, and joined the team to learn more about how paddle-based clean-ups operate. The visit highlights the growing recognition of grassroots efforts to tackle litter and improve local waterways in Oldham.

Victoria Holden, from 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." She added: "We’re delighted that Stacey and the BBC chose to visit Failsworth and share the story of what’s happening here."

The BBC series is expected to examine litter issues across the UK while highlighting projects and organisations working to improve local environments through community action. The focus on Failsworth brings attention to the positive impact of local initiatives in Oldham and the dedication of residents to keeping their area clean.

Northern Lily CIC is now looking for sponsorship support to help continue the paddle sport litter pick programme. Local residents and businesses interested in supporting the project can get involved through Northern Lily's community activities, helping to sustain this important work on the Rochdale Canal and beyond.