9/4/2024
Pupils from St Paul's Church in Wales Primary School in Grangetown have made history by helping to break the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people participating in a river clean-up.
On March 21, 2025, a total of 1,327 volunteers including 26 pupils from the school, gathered across eight official locations to clean the River Taff, surpassing the previous record of 329 participants set on the River Ganges in India.
The record-breaking event was organised in collaboration with Cardiff Council and Taff Tidy, a local environmental initiative. Volunteers, including school children, community groups, and other members of the public, collected litter along the River Taff from its source in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) to Cardiff Bay. The clean-up lasted for 30 minutes, starting at 12:00 GMT.
A Guinness World Records adjudicator was present to assess the evidence gathered from the eight locations. Five volunteers were stationed at each spot, on behalf of Guinness World Records to observe and record the entire clean-up process. The adjudicator confirmed the new record shortly after the event concluded.
"We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the community for coming together to achieve this remarkable feat," said Ruth Wilshire, Headteacher of St Paul's Church in Wales Primary School. "This event not only highlights the importance of environmental conservation but also demonstrates the power of collective action."
The successful record attempt was supported byCardiff Harbour Authority and the Council's Waste Management team who also took part and contributed to the record. Ithas brought attention to the ongoing efforts to keep the River Taff clean and has inspired many to take part in future environmental initiatives.
Kate Strong who organised the Taff Tidy event said: "I am delighted that so many residents along the length of the river Taff came out to clean our wonderful waterway. It was particularly heartening to see how many children and young people attended the event, including pupils from St Paul's CIW Primary School. This gives me hope for the future of our rivers and that our country is fostering environmentally-conscious future leaders and action-takers."
Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "It was wonderful to hear that so many children and young people have made history by supporting the Taff Tidy event. The effort from pupils from St Paul's Church in Wales Primary School not only shines a light on the importance of protecting our environment but also proves what can be achieved when we come together to make a positive change."