Are you fed up with the sight of litter locally? Since January 2021, groups of volunteers organised by Paul Peacock, a local councillor for Edwinstowe Parish Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council, have been litter-picking the road verges in and around Edwinstowe and Clipstone at least once a month. Equipment (on loan from Newark and Sherwood District Council) is provided. More and more residents are joining the campaign, with as many as 12 volunteers at some sessions. Incredibly, the volunteers fill on average more than 20 large black bags of rubbish in a two-hour session. People have said that doing this gives them a sense of satisfaction and communal spirit.
The items that some people throw from their vehicles or fly-tip are almost unbelievable. Unexpected finds include a flat-screen TV on Gorsethorpe Lane, numerous DVDs, a barbecue and a pedal bin rescued from a hedge on the road to Cavendish Park. Some articles were usable and could have been given to charity, rather than thrown in the verge.
The scheme has expanded to include local footpaths and bridleways where, sadly, some people discard cans, bottles and packaging on the paths. The group also finds a lot of dog poo bags on paths or thrown into hedgerows, trees and watercourses – even where dog bins are provided nearby for safe and hygienic disposal. These plastic bags and packets won’t biodegrade and will leave plastic particles for generations to come; they are unsightly and spoil our country walks for other footpath users who just want to enjoy beautiful countryside.
Much of this rubbish is dangerous to our pets and wildlife. Plastic particles can enter and pollute local watercourses and rivers, so the group is actively helping the environment as well.
Some residents in local villages have already taken it upon themselves to litter-pick regularly and those volunteers are needed as councils are hard-pressed to deal with ever-growing amounts of rubbish.
Chanel
If you would like to volunteer to help the campaign, contact Paul on 07956 370984.
The volunteers would prefer not to be required, so please remember: bag it and bin it or take home for disposal.