A reference some of us get instantly… and if you don’t, that’s what Google is for. Either way, the idea stands: community volunteer litter picking is one of the simplest but most effective ways we can look after the Duddon and its surrounding landscapes. With more people visiting, walking, swimming, camping, and enjoying the outdoors, our paths, verges, riverbanks, and wildlife-rich habitats feel the pressure. Litter picking is a straightforward, community-powered way to protect the environment while bringing people together.
One of the biggest impacts is the immediate improvement to the local environment. Clearing rubbish from roadside verges, footpaths, lay-bys, woodland edges, and watercourses stops waste from breaking down into microplastics or leaching harmful chemicals into soils and rivers. Items like fishing line, cans, and plastic packaging might look harmless at first glance. However, they can trap, injure, or poison wildlife. By removing this rubbish before it causes damage, our volunteers help protect fish, birds, mammals, and the Duddon’s fragile ecosystems. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t feel dramatic at the time, but genuinely makes a difference.
Keeping the area clean also protects the landscape that both residents and visitors cherish. People come to the Duddon for its scenery, tranquillity, and sense of escape. A clean path or picnic spot feels welcoming; a rubbish-strewn one doesn’t. Litter picking helps maintain the natural beauty. That in turn supports local businesses, whether that’s pubs, cafés, accommodation providers, shops, or outdoor activity companies. A tidy environment contributes directly to the positive experiences that keep people coming back.
Don’t underestimate litter picking, it’s about more than the rubbish. It’s also about community and pride in the place we love. These events bring together people from all walks of life. You may meet long-term locals, newcomers, families, teens, retirees, and everyone in between. It’s an easy way to get involved without needing special skills or equipment. What starts as picking up rubbish often turns into conversations, new friendships, and a genuine sense of pride in our shared landscape and community. The social side can be as valuable as the environmental one, especially in rural areas where people can sometimes feel isolated.
There are also wellbeing benefits. Getting outdoors with others, walking, chatting, and doing something purposeful can lift your mood more than you might expect. Many volunteers find the simple rhythm of walking and collecting is a chance to decompress, switch off from daily pressures, and enjoy nature. Even on a damp Cumbrian day, being outside with good company feels good.
Another bonus is the awareness it creates. Once you’ve spent time collecting litter, you start noticing what ends up in the environment and how easily it gets there. It often prompts volunteers to consider small lifestyle changes. You may find yourself using less single-use plastics, recycling better, or reminding others to take their rubbish home. Our volunteers naturally become advocates for looking after the places they love.
Ultimately, litter picking helps keep the Duddon resilient. Clean, healthy landscapes support biodiversity, whilst reducing pollution risks. They also ensure that future generations can enjoy the unspoiled scenery we value so much. It’s a small action with a surprisingly big ripple effect. It is proof that anyone, of any age, can help protect this special place.
