The Great British Spring Clean kicked off in a vibrant debut in one of Manchester’s biggest parks, bringing thousands of volunteers together to take a single act in protecting the environment (16 March).
The annual call for people to pledge to pick up litter and organise community litter picks began on 13 March nationwide. The launch event took place in Platt Fields Park and brought together 120 pupils from Manchester schools and colleges alongside local community groups.
Keep Manchester Tidy, a partnership with Keep Britain Tidy and Manchester City Council, were on hand to support litter pickers with equipment and environmental advice. The National Trust also helped spread awareness of its Bloomtown initiative, while the Canal and River Trust encouraged residents to learn more about clean waterways and the city’s connected canal routes.
Another group on hand, highlighting good waste practices, was Biffa who introduced a new children’s book featuring their delightful ‘Waste Eater’ character. Pupils were able to ride in guided BMX sessions and delve into their creative streaks through Eco Arts activities and workshops from the Action Van, topped off with lessons and entertainment in a drumming performance.
In true Great British Spring Clean spirit, an army of over 200 participants took part in a group litter pick across Platt Fields Park, led by park rangers in one the city’s largest green spaces, it fulfilled their pledge to pick up litter and make Manchester cleaner and greener. This included dedicated volunteers from Friends of the Park, the Friends of Shakespeare Garden and Manchester Urban Diggers.
The successful launch follows the release of the council’s Fly-tipping and Litter Strategy which set out long-term plans to tackle the improper disposal of waste across the city.
The plan is a key component of the Council’s Clean and Green priority. It strengthens our approach by making enforcement of waste offences more visible and by encouraging residents to build local pride and encourage greater participation in looking after their neighbourhoods.
The launch of the Great British Spring Clean aims to motivate even more communities to pledge their support in making the city cleaner and greener. It also reinforces that improving the city for everyone relies on a sustained, collective effort.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “The Great British Spring is a call to action for everyone to do their part in making the city cleaner and greener. I was proud to see the turnout at Platt Fields Park; from school pupils to residents who want to learn more, it was a real community effort to give back to our neighbourhoods and take individual responsibility. The information on hand like how to dispose of waste correctly and the impact it can have on the environment, means many people are now more equipped to do better and share this advice to their families and friends. It’s a reminder of Manchester’s plan to achieve a better city for everyone by 2035.”
For those that want to organise their own litter picks or continue their eco-friendly volunteering, they can find out more information at Keep Manchester Tidy and are encouraged to use the #McrSpringClean26 to share their litter-busting efforts.
The Great British Spring Clean runs from the 13 – 29 March