Frustrated by litter-strewn verges on local roads, residents approached Parish and Newark and Sherwood District Councillor Paul Peacock in early 2021 to find a solution. While the Parish Council maintains the village itself, Paul worked with the District Council to secure equipment and arrange for the collection of filled bags. Since January 2021, volunteers have removed a wide variety of items, many of which could have been properly disposed of. Litter poses a significant danger to wildlife, as animals, including pets, can become entangled in it, often with disastrous consequences.
On occasion, the patrol also cleans field and river footpaths, where they often find additional rubbish, including discarded dog waste bags. These items can take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting local water sources and rivers. Dog waste bins are located at various points around the village. If no bin is available during your walk, please take the waste home for proper disposal.
The patrol meets on the second Monday and the last Saturday of each month at 10.00am for two hours, with additional evening sessions in the summer, weather permitting. Over the past four years, the group has filled hundreds of bags with rubbish and dedicated countless hours to cleaning up the local environment. Their efforts have had a tangible impact, making a visible difference to the area’s roads and footpaths.
More volunteers are always welcome! Dates and times for litter picks are shared on the Edwinstowe Together and Edwinstowe Past and Present Facebook pages. Alternatively, you can contact Councillor Paul Peacock on 07956 370984 to join. All necessary equipment is provided.
Please remember: Bag it and Bin it – or take your litter home for disposal.