Separating apparatus, for separating a substance from a liquid on which the substance can float, comprises: a separation chamber; an inlet adapted to convey a supply comprising the substance and the liquid into the separation chamber; and an outlet adapted to convey liquid collected in the separation chamber out of the separation chamber. The inlet is arranged such that, in use, the supply emerging from the inlet into the chamber is directed upwardly into the chamber, and the apparatus further comprises venting means arranged to convey gas out of the chamber. The apparatus may further comprise a floating pick up connected to a pump for pumping the supply to the separation chamber. In certain examples a non-floating pick up is used, comprising an elongate hollow body with a pick up inlet mouth in the form of a vertical slot extending along a length of the body.