Countryside Clean-Up
THE Countryside Alliance’s annual Countryside Clean-Up event took place from 19 to 20 September after postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In support of Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Great September Clean’, we set ourselves a target to collect a total of 10,000 pieces of litter with the help of our litter heroes,” said a Countryside Alliance spokesman. “From their local playing fields and public footpaths to riverbanks and coastlines, our groups of litter pickers – of all ages – took time out of their weekend to support the cause and to help maintain the beauty of our countryside.”
Hunt supporters from up and down the UK were encouraged to organise Covid-compliant cleanup sessions. Tackling the issue of litter and fly-tipping near their kennels and the surrounding hunt country, groups of up to six hunt supporters could be seen helping out by keeping the countryside free of discarded rubbish.
“We are delighted that so many people supported our initiative again this year, but it is also very disappointing to see how much litter can be found in ditches and on the roadside,” explained
Polly Portwin, head of hunting for the Countryside Alliance. “Hunts and their supporters are an integral part of local, rural communities who are passionate about the wellbeing of the countryside, so it is wonderful to see them getting so involved within their local areas.”