Local runners take action to Bash Trail Trash in Saddleworth

A new local community initiative to clean up the trails around Saddleworth and 'bash the trash' has started after Easter.

A walk over Blackstone Edge and the Windy Hill Transmitter on Easter Bank Holiday Monday, April 5, was the inspiration behind the project. 

While walking across the moors, Greenfield residents Colin Green and Jane Tonge were shocked to see the amount of litter, fly tipping and general rubbish left on the trail around the Windy Hill car park in Saddleworth, near the M62.

As a keen ultrarunner, Colin frequently runs along the route which is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as part of the Pennine Way National Trail, stretching over 268 miles from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. 

Colin reached out to his friends and contacts in the local running community to ask for volunteers to help clean up the area and remove the trash from this beautiful countryside. 

Within hours, there were 20 volunteers. These included members from running clubs such as Oldham & Royton Harriers, Greenfield Greyhounds, Saddleworth Runners, Royton Road Runners, and Stainland Lions in Halifax. 

Colin said: “It was amazing that so many people volunteered so quickly. Many were aware of the problem but didn’t know what to do about it as it’s too big to tackle alone. 

"They were keen to join a proactive group of like-minded locals who wanted to clean up the area for the benefit of everyone."   

The group met on Saturday 10th April, armed with bin bags, gloves and litter pickers. They were given hi-vis bright yellow vests to wear, saying ‘Marshall’.

Within 3 hours, the 20 volunteers collected over 60 bin bags of rubbish. They transformed the area by removing a huge quantity of discarded plastic bottles, cans, coffee cups and crisp packets. 

Several volunteers took away rubbish bags in their own vehicles while a large pile of bags and heavy items such as tyres and wood were left for Calderdale Council to collect. 

                                                          Trail Trash Bashers

Inspired by their success, the group of volunteers have now set their sights on clearing other areas along trails that are blighted by litter and rubbish.  

Trail Trash Bashers, are planning to meet once a month to tackle litter hot spots and clean up the countryside for all to enjoy.  

Colin and Jane have set up Facebook group ‘Trail Trash Bashers’.

The group are also on Twitter @TrailTrashBash and using the hashtag #trailtrashbashers to encourage people across the country to clean up their local trails and post before/after photos to celebrate their success. 

Anyone wanting to volunteer to bash the trash or suggest trail areas that need a clean-up can join the Facebook group to find out more.  

 

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