Plea for 'litter heroes' to help out with New Forest Spring Clean
‘LITTER heroes’ are being sought to take up grabbers and sacks and help with this year’s New Forest Spring Clean.
New Forest District Council, the New Forest National Park Authority and Forestry England are recruiting for the scheme running until 2nd April as part of the national Great British Spring Clean.
Residents are encouraged to attend a group clean-up event or pledge to do their own individual litter pick.
Iain Park, NFDC grounds and streetscene manager, said: “The New Forest Spring Clean is back, and this year’s campaign is all about pride in our local community, and working together.
“Anyone who would like to get involved can pledge to pick up a bag of litter, or more, and we can support by providing equipment and picking up litter bags at the end of events.
“It all makes a difference and will help us to make the district greener and cleaner for the future.”
Residents litter picking for the New Forest Spring Clean can apply directly to NFDC for support online at newforest.gov.uk/litterpicking
The council can lend equipment all year round to groups of up to 30 volunteers, including litter grabbers and hi-vis jackets, for organised litter picking events. It can also arrange to collect litter sacks after events.
Families and individuals can get free litter picking equipment and advice on their clean-up when they sign up as a New Forest ambassador with the NPA.
They would join 960 existing ambassadors, 250 of whom are young people, who help care for the national park all year round.
However, residents are strongly advised not to put themselves at risk by litter picking along any road verges.
The annual project was backed by the volunteer Litter-pickers of the New Forest group.
Member Mike Perkins highlighted the risk of waste to animals after recently spotting the remains of a balloon in a pile of pony dung.
He said: “As a member of the Litter Pickers of the New Forest I found this balloon which had been eaten by pony and could have caused a painful death for the animal.
"It could easily have been a discarded dog poo bag, sweet wrapper or crisp packet.
"It's a reminder than littering can cause real damage to forest animals. Please dispose of litter responsibly.”
NFDC works with Hampshire County Council to clear many of the district’s road verges.
NFDC and Forestry England will also work together again this spring to collect litter around verges on about 100km of Forest roads.
Charlotte Belcher, FE community manager, said: “The local community’s response to helping us keep the Forest clear of litter continues to be outstanding.
“So many groups and individuals give up their time to help. We are really appreciative of their commitment and support in caring for this special place."
For more information about New Forest ambassadors visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/nfambassadors
Details about the national Great British Spring Clean campaign can be found at bit.ly/2Wl9jwO
