G A Hird

litter picking group

CUDS was formed primarily to litter pick around our town and its environs. We do so about 4 times a month for 2 hours each time and then have a cup of tea and the all-important biscuits. We also strip useless bits of turf off areas, dig over, plant bulbs and sow wildflower seeds which we maintain on 2 roundabouts and various other places. At present we have about 28 members. We are not a charity - we are funded by grants for which I apply and have back-up from Dervizes Town Council's Park and Open Spaces team when we can't shift all the stuff we have collected ourselves. When we started over 3 years ago, we were viewed with some suspicion - as in 'Are you all doing Community Payback?' and so forth - interesting to think that a great group of oldies would be doing that! Now, in our bright blue hivis vests emblazed with CUDS on the back, nearly everybody knows who we are - and if they don't, they must have been asleep. We work with local groups - Beavers, the Canoe Club, The Lions at their Fair and recently with The Fulltone Orchestra at their free event in the Market Place. We are also planning our reward - apart from cake, which we have before our summer and Christmas breaks. This time we are going on a day out to visit various gardens in Somerset - it's great to be sociable and many have made firm friends within our group.

We will be working in London Parks and our neighbourhood streets. Occasionally we will work on the river bank.

The group now has over 100 members. It organises monthly litter picks, and members also litter pick in their own local areas.

An important part of our work is with young people. We have met with Junior schools, Brownies and Cubs, and talked about the reduction of litter and recycling.

We liaise with other environmental groups in the area, particularly those with similar aims to ours and we work closely with the local Borough Council.

We have a website:- www.sandbach-cleanteam.co.uk

I am sick of going into the countryside and finding people have dumped there crap, ie Car Tyres, beds, car seats, cookers, and other crap. I would like to be able to stop this happening but I know that will be hard so I am happy to make it difficult for people.

We aim to increase social responsibility within the town. We hope that by showing pride in the town it will inspire other people and residents to take ownership of the area in which they live. We are sick of fly tipping and litter and hope to make a positive impact on the town by becoming more action orientated!

This group is in a picturesque Suffolk village, with excellent contractors coming here frequently collecting 4 binfuls of litter a week - but still the litter comes!! Time for a Spring clean and community action!

Grand Avenue and Wilson Road Grass Areas

FRIENDS OF CHARLTON BROOK are an environmental group consisting of local people who aim to restore Charlton Brook and the dam to it's former glory. New members are always welcome and encouraged to take part in litter picks and fund raising events. Local folk will know the area very well as a pleasant walk between the Barrel Inn and the Bridge Inn. FOCB are currently working with Sheffield City Council Parks and Countryside and Environmental Planning, Wildlife trust and other local groups. Public green spaces improve the look of an area for everybody, they increase bio-diversity and counteract the effects of global warming. Sadly Charlton Brook needs care and attention, which has been lacking for many years. Our Aims De-Silting of the dam and stream. Improved Fishing Facilities. Better footpaths and lighting and to include disabled access. New seating, litter and dog bins. Regular refuse clearance. Improvement of BMX track and installation of robust playground. Woodland management to increase diversity of the wildlife habitat.

Founded to counteract the ever-increasing amount of litter, dog fouling etc in our village, the group was established independently of the the Parish Council. East Riding of Yorkshire Council provided high visibility jackets, litter sticks, gloves and bags. We meet fortnightly on the village Green although many members (approx 18 at present) also go about as and when they feel inclined! We have not yet enlisted any younger members but this may happen. We would like to have our own "uniform" so that we can be easily recognised and not mistaken for Community Service people!! Our first annual 3Rs bash takes place in the Co-ordinator's garden on Saturday, August 18th. No litter will be left behind!!