PROTECT OUR LAND FROM LITTER

I litter-pick in spring, before the weeds and foliage start to grow over the rubbish on the road verges, river embankments and fields. I litter-picked over three Sunday mornings in early March, which took me around 12 hours in total. I covered a distance of 225 metres on both road verges of the A1122 and the adjacent bank of the river Great Ouse and our field, filling four black dustbin bags with an assortment of items (pictured).

The glass bottles and cans were typically alcohol related. As we are two miles from the nearest shops, I can only surmise there are elements of drinking alcohol and driving before throwing the litter on the nearest green space. This year, I have seen for the first time medical supplies, disposable plastic gloves and a used colostomy bag.

There is no emphasis on protecting grazing and domesticated animals. Despite vigilantly litter-sweeping the field for rubbish, we have had sheep in the field found dead with plastic in their mouths.

I have been litter-picking here for 12 years, and the quantity of litter is not reducing. And although there has been a significant reduction in road traffic due to the year of lockdowns, the litter burden is greater than ever.

I have always felt that I am making a difference in a small way, but clearing up the mess year after year is not enough – simply recruiting more volunteers is not solving the problem. There needs to be a shift in attitudes, education and enforceable penalties to improve Britain in the 21st century.

Mandy Candler, via email

Editor Fergus Collins replies:

You are making a massive difference to your local landscapes and community and attitudes will change if we all keep the pressure on. I pick litter locally (in Monmouthshire) and it can be so disheartening but I’m noticing less litter this year. Keep going – we’re all with you!