Our Village Deserves Better
Litter is a growing problem across the UK, affecting towns, villages, and the countryside alike. No matter the affluence of an area, rubbish finds its way into streets, hedgerows, and waterways. While local councils do their best, it’s unrealistic to expect them to pick up every single piece of litter. This is why we decided to take matters into our own hands—because solving the problem starts with taking responsibility.
Small Effort, Big Impact
It takes as little as two hours and a small group of volunteers to make a noticeable difference in a community. A team of just ten people can transform a neglected area of a village or housing estate, improving both the environment and local pride.
Nestled between Guildford and Dorking, Gomshall is a small village bisected by the busy A25. Traffic-related litter, fly-tipping, and community waste account for 90% of the rubbish that accumulates here. One of the most concerning aspects? The River Tillingbourne, which flows through Gomshall and eventually reaches the Thames, meaning any litter in our village has the potential to reach the ocean
Taking Action: A Community-Led Cleanup
Recognising the need for change, we decided to act. Organising a community litter collection was easier than expected, as many residents were already frustrated by the sight of rubbish and eager to help.
How We Got Volunteers
We spread the word using a combination of methods:
- - Posters around the village
- - Posts on local Facebook groups (such as buy & sell and parenting communities)
- - An announcement in the Parish magazine
Within a week, we had 25 volunteers signed up. The local council supported us by providing bags, litter pickers, gloves, and high-vis vests, and they arranged to collect the rubbish from a central location afterwards.
Cleanup Day: Sunday, 25th March 2018
Originally scheduled for 11th March, our cleanup had to be postponed due to snow. While some of the original 25 volunteers couldn’t make the new date, we still had a committed team of 12. And what a difference they made!
The Rubbish We Collected
The sheer volume of litter collected was staggering—so much so that we filled all the village’s bins along the way. Even the photos didn’t do justice to the scale of the problem, as they captured only about two-thirds of what we removed.
To further improve our surroundings, we also cleaned the village signs and planted flowers, generously donated by Homebase in Godalming, adding a touch of beauty to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need permission to organise a litter pick?
In most cases, you don’t need permission if you’re collecting litter in public spaces, but it’s best to inform your local council. They may also be able to provide equipment and arrange rubbish collection.
2. What equipment do I need?
Basic equipment includes litter pickers, gloves, bin bags, and high-vis vests. Many councils will provide these for free, so it’s worth checking before purchasing anything.
3. How do I get people involved?
Use local Facebook groups, posters, and community newsletters to spread the word. Personal invitations to neighbours and local organisations can also be effective.
4. What do I do with the collected rubbish?
Check with your council for guidance. They may be able to collect it from a designated point. Otherwise, you can separate recyclables and dispose of the rest responsibly.
5. Can children take part?
Yes! However, children should always be supervised by an adult and should not pick up hazardous items such as broken glass or sharp objects.
6. How often should a litter pick be organised?
This depends on the level of litter in your area. Some communities do monthly clean-ups, while others do seasonal or annual events.
7. What should I do if I find hazardous waste?
Do not attempt to handle hazardous waste yourself. Report it to the local council so they can safely remove it.
Feeling inspired
If you’re troubled by the litter in your community, you can take action too. Organising a cleanup is easier than you think, and the impact is immediate. Reach out to your local council, gather a group of like-minded individuals, and start making a difference—your village will thank you for it!
Learn More About Us
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