A community clean-up of a West Cumbrian estate cleared 27 bags of rubbish, plus abandoned mattresses, scooters and bicycles.
The event, at Mirehouse in Whitehaven, was organised by West Cumbria Rivers Trust.
It brought together 14 adults and 42 children from St Gregory & St Patrick’s Catholic Infant School and the volunteers collected 27 bags of rubbish, two abandoned mattresses, two bicycles, scooters, toys, hundreds of cans and bottles, hundreds of discarded dog poo bags and crisp packets at Mirehouse Pond.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust said: “The event not only cleared a huge amount of litter but also brought the community together, building pride and respect for this precious green space at the heart of Mirehouse.
“Studies show that cleaner environments deter further littering, and the team is hopeful this effort will be a turning point for the transformation of the area.
“Despite the rubbish, volunteers were amazed by the number of birds and wildfowl still using the space – a positive sign for nature’s resilience. And with glorious weather on the day, spirits were sky-high!
“Thanks go to Lara from Whitehaven Ship-Shapers for her fantastic support and inspiring energy, the Cumberland Council team for their practical help and supplies, Marc Goodwin and staff from Mott MacDonald, and councillors Mike Hawkins and Graham Minshaw for their hands-on involvement.”
More clean-up dates are scheduled with plans to continue monthly as part of a long-term effort to create healthier, more usable spaces for the community and wildlife.
The next events will be held on Wednesday April 23 from 1pm to 4pm and Wednesday April 30 from 10am to 1pm. All are welcome.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust is working with Cumberland Council to explore ways to further improve the area for everyone to enjoy and thanked project sponsors Sellafield Social Impact Multiplied (SiX).
