Ramblers pick up litter
Berkshire Area Ramblers Groups Littler Pick
ON Sunday 21st October 2018, five of the local Berkshire based Ramblers groups took part in a county wide litter pick – Berkshire Walkers, South East Berks Ramblers, Mid-Berks Ramblers, Windsor & District Ramblers and West Berks Ramblers.
As part of a Berkshire countywide initiative, our groups joined together on a beautiful sunny October day to help battle the problem of discarded litter we find on our walks, along paths or in our local parks. Each of the groups chose an area of the county to conduct this litter picking activity.
Litter is not a small problem anymore; you will see litter discarded along most paths – in town and in the countryside. Over the years it seems to have gradually become more acceptable for people to drop litter. Why can’t they just put it into the bin?
Litter isn’t just unsightly for us, but it’s also a danger to the animals that live in our towns and countryside. Discarded litter also has a detrimental effect on the area by discouraging people from visiting. Cigarette butts, for instance contain toxic substances which can contaminate the soil and water.
Between these 5 groups we had a great turnout on the day with over 60 people attending and collecting over 50 large bags of rubbish! We were amazed at the quantity of litter that was collected. We could have spent most of the day collecting this rubbish!
The litter that was collected ranged from empty drinks cans, discarded food packaging, cigarette butts and even household items. All stuff that should be put into a bin and not into the nearest hedge or verge!
I’m very pleased to say there are now parts of the Berkshire County which are a little bit clearer of litter thanks for the efforts of all these wonderful people who took their time and effort into helping to tidy up our countryside.
We are hoping to make this a more regular event in our walking calendars. Always remember to take your rubbish home with you. You should leave the countryside as you found it!