Residents across the Borough are being urged to love where they live by joining the Dinton Litter Pick. Littering has increased during lockdown; as visitor numbers surged, so has the rubbish left behind. Now, the team at Dinton Pastures Country Park are asking locals to slam dunk the junk on their next visit.
From Saturday 13 June, visitors can grab a litter picker and rubbish bag in the main Dinton car park, just next to Muddy Ducks Nursery. In line with Government guidance, equipment will be disinfected and volunteers are asked to use the gloves provided during their litter pick. Hand sanitiser will also be available and those getting involved are reminded to wash their hands before and afterwards. As with all park visitors, participants are also asked to maintain a 2 metre distance from others.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We know just how much our residents love Dinton Pastures and the litter pick actually came about following several suggestions from local people. We’re delighted to have brought their ideas to life and would encourage visitors to grab a litter picker on their next visit.”
The recent hot weather has led to an increase in visitor numbers, with many choosing to travel to Dinton on foot or bike. With this park rangers have also seen a surge in littering. There are 10 bins across the park and bins are being emptied more regularly in response. If you find that a bin is full, please take your trash home with you or let one of the countryside team know.
Litterbugs are also asked to consider the impact that their rubbish has on wildlife. Hedgehogs and squirrels can often become entangled in packaging, with fatal consequences.
The rangers have compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to keep litter pickers safe.
Do:
- Wear gloves during and wash hands before and after
- Maintain 2m distance from park users
- Talk to staff if you have questions or concerns
- Take regular stops to enjoy the country park and wildlife
Don’t:
- Pick up sharps, broken glass or animal faeces
- Go round the park in groups larger than six
- Dispose of lit or hot BBQs - inform staff instead
- Stray far from paths, inform staff of unreachable litter
