New "Adopt an Area" Litter-picking Initiative Launched

Making sure the Commons are kept free of litter is one of the most important things that we can do to help preserve the beauty of this amazing natural open space.

Apart from our own members of staff, we are currently helped out in this endeavour by a number of people who devote countless hours of their own valuable time to collecting litter that has been carelessly discarded by others as they enjoy a walk across the Commons.  

There is however even more that can still be done to help keep the Commons litter free but with 1140 acres to cover, many would-be volunteers might wonder where to start!

To make it slightly less daunting, we have launched a new litter-picking initiative - “Adopt an Area”.

The Commons have been divided into 22 areas and we are inviting you to join our team of volunteers and “adopt an area” which you can help keep clear of litter, at a time that works for you.  It might be an area close to home, or just a favourite place on the Commons. 

As some areas on the Commons inevitably attract more litter than others, we will be on hand to help and throughout the year we will also be organising group litter picks to help with some of the most problematic areas. 

In addition to this, we very much hope that our many regular litter pickers will also continue to support us by continuing with their own regular litter picks around the Commons.  Without this group the Commons certainly wouldn’t look as amazing as they do.

How do I get started?

To become involved with the Commons volunteer litter picking team, you will be provided with training, gloves, a litter stick, rubbish bags and a high-visibility waistcoat that will identify you as part of our team, all of which can be collected from the Ranger’s Office.  We only need you to complete and sign a short volunteer registration form before you start and ask that you keep in touch with us from time to time just to let us know how you are getting on.

If you need to report any urgent matters that you might encounter while on the Commons, please call the Rangers Office (0208 7887655) and we will do our very best to provide you with immediate assistance.

If you would like to join our volunteer litter picking team please contact Peter Haldane peter@wpcc.org.uk