Litter picking encouraged to look after precious landscapes

Photo: Ken Bennett

Litter pickers at the ready: left to right – Sarah Slowther, Peak District National Park volunteer Alison Farthing, Gina Bradbury Fox, Peak District Mosaic members Elaine Hamilton and Yvonne Witter.

Volunteers and community groups  are being encouraged to join The Peak District National Park Foundation and The Outdoor Guide (TOG) Foundation who are  providing litter picking kits to look after precious landscapes.

The kits – made up of litter pickers, reusable bags and hand sanitiser – have been bought via TOG Foundation from the first donations from the Foundation’s Peak District Proud Fund.

Dovestones, one of the area’s top beauty spots has been plagued by growing litter problems. Brian Banawich who lives near the reservior carries out daily litter picks at the site welcomed the new initiative.

“This is great news,” he declared. “There is hardly a day goes by without me filling bags of rubbish from around the site,”

TOG Foundation is co-founded by television presenter and Peak District enthusiast, Julia Bradbury, and her sister, Gina Bradbury Fox.

Over the last year, the Peak District has seen a huge increase in litter, which can have a devastating effect on wildlife and habitats.

Peak District National Park Foundation manager Sarah Slowther says: “We’re delighted to be working alongside TOG Foundation on this vital project. 

“These litter picking kits will enable more volunteers and community groups to help look after our National Park for people and wildlife - and keep our landscapes looking their best.”

Gina Bradbury Fox adds: “It’s so important to raise awareness about the dangers of littering to the environment as well as to support the public in clearing up any litter they see while they’re out and about. 

“I’m proud to support this venture in the Peak District where, as a family, we have so many fond memories.”

In September, both foundations will be collaborating on The Waterproof and Wellies project focused on getting children  outside in nature, inspiring the next generation of outdoors enthusiasts.

The Peak District Proud Fund continues to raise money to buy more litter picking kits and to raise awareness about problems posed by litter in the national park – including danger to wildlife and contributing to fire risks.

Just £10 funds a litter picking kit for a volunteer to help care for the National Park. Donations to the Peak District Proud Fund can be made online at www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk/peak-district-proud or text 'Donate peak 16' to 88802 to give an amount of your choice.

For more details of The Outdoor Guide Foundation and the Waterproof and Wellies project, visit www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk/foundation

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