The Rubbish Raft is a documentary project created in partnership with The Rivers Trust and the Mersey Rivers Trust, exploring the state of urban waterways in Manchester and the impact of pollution on local ecosystems.
The film follows an experimental journey: collecting waste directly from Manchester’s rivers and canals, and using it to construct a makeshift raft capable of navigating the very waterways it was pulled from. What begins as a physical challenge quickly becomes an investigation into a deeper issue—why are these rivers so polluted, and what can be done to change it?
Through hands-on exploration and collaboration with environmental organisations, the project highlights the systemic challenges facing the UK’s river systems, while aiming to raise awareness and support for ongoing conservation efforts. The initiative extended beyond the film itself, with a public screening held to raise funds for the Mersey Rivers Trust and support their continued work in restoring and protecting local waterways.
