Why do so many people litter pick?

Finally, spring is in the air, the daffodils are popping up and the crocuses have begun adding some colour to Bristol’s urban lawns.

As the sun begins to peek through, it’s time to get that warm feeling again when you join fellow litter pickers for the Great Bristol Spring Clean 2023.

This year, we’ve spoken to some litter picking pros to find out why they think litter picking is so blooming marvellous.

Sally Mines – Ardagh Community Trust and Friends of Horfield Common

Litter picking is so important to us at Ardagh Community Trust and Friends of Horfield Common as we recognize the need for attractive, clean, safe areas to enjoy health and leisure activities in the lovely local open space of Horfield Common. It is an opportunity to get to know local residents and volunteers, both young and old, who share our concern to keep these open spaces special and also to have some fun along the way!

Dawn Aldred – Whitchurch Wombles litter picking group

I love to litter pick because I know it’s making a positive difference to the environment and every piece of litter I pick up I imagine a little creature saying “thank you.” (And, yes, that is a bathtub found on a litter pick!)

Claire Smith – Friends of Doncaster Road Park and Embleton Playground

Overall and most of all, my love for litter picking is based on wanting to be involved in benefitting the community; and for me that’s it’s people, the wildlife and nature.  At the end of a day when I have litter picked a local park, community space or river, I feel comfort in knowing that I have helped enhance the likelihood of others enjoying their use of the space just by there being less litter, and increased the safety and general wellbeing of both people and wildlife. (I’m the one in the middle)

Sustainable Westbury On Trym (SusWoT) litter picking group

James, Dawn, Peter and Sonny explain why they love getting involved in litter picking.

I like the fresh air and being able to see the difference I make every time I do my round.

I love meeting people, getting some exercise and making a difference.

Cleaning up the environment is very satisfying and helps the wildlife recover for people to enjoy.

Litter picking is great fun, you have a laugh with your mates and you can go anywhere where there is litter and people like you and say thank-you.

Janie Watson

I love taking part in litter picking because it keeps my environment nice! And helps to teach my children to keep where they live clean, they learn by example!

Cheryl Warner – St Anne’s and Broomhill Co-ops, Big Tidy Business

As Co-op Member Pioneer, I love helping my community and keeping the local area tidy. We tidied around the river area last year and it was a great way for staff and customers to come together in a common purpose to improve our environment. I’d encourage anyone to join in – it’s very satisfying and kids love it!

Jeff Way, Big Tidy Business

Jeff Way has strong roots in South Bristol and feel proud of where we come from.  We feel it is essential for us to help protect the environment we are in and improve them for the local community and future generations.  It really is amazing how much little can be collected in a short time and the difference it makes.

There are lots of ways to get involved in litter picking.  The best way we have found is through Bristol City Council’s Big Tidy.  All the equipment is provided, and it is always better to carry it out in a big group of like minded people.

Hargreaves Lansdown litter picking group

Litter picking is a great way to get involved with the local community and help to improve the city we live in.

All our colleagues, who have volunteered, really enjoyed the experience of working together, meeting members of the local community, and having the feeling that they are giving back. As well as spending part of the day out of the office! So definitely recommend anyone who can, to get involved.