Organisations unite to call for collective ownership of outdoor paths
Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has joined forces with Sustrans Scotland, Jog Scotland and Paths for All to encourage outdoor enthusiasts – from joggers to bungee jumpers – to take collective ownership for the paths that help to support their outdoor activities.
Throughout April and May, the organisations are encouraging all outdoor users to arrange their own Clean Up events at the areas that they frequently use, helping to remove rubbish from popular walking and cycle paths, and help to preserve the natural environment that they regularly enjoy.
The Active Travel Week is running as part of the charity’s annual Spring Clean initiative and will take place from 20 April – 27 April. Last year more than 30,000 people the length and breadth of Scotland participated in the annual Spring Clean Campaign – helping to remove more than 300 tonnes of litter from across the country.
Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented: “Keep Scotland Beautiful is calling for everyone from across Scotland to take part in our annual Spring Clean campaign.
“The Active Travel week allows a special focus on people being active and picking up litter as they go, or venturing outdoors to help protect the areas they love and enjoy.
“We are very proud of everyone’s hard work and hope that lots of people will take part – helping to make 2019 the most successful Spring Clean campaign to date.”
Sustrans, the UK charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, regularly hold litter picks on the national cycle network. Laura White, Network Engagement Volunteer said: “We encourage everyone who uses the National Cycle Network to lend a hand in keeping it in great condition.
“Litterpicks can be surprisingly social occasions and very rewarding, so we’re delighted to support the Active Travel Week of the Spring Clean.”
The Swedish craze of plogging came to Scotland’s streets last year. Since then jogscotland has embraced the trend and is encouraging its 400 jogging groups to take bin bags out on one of their jogs.
Spokeswoman Sue Gyford said: “We have joggers out and about all over Scotland, so Active Travel Week is the perfect opportunity to use those feet on the ground and encourage people to clear up the footpaths and trails that they enjoy on their runs.
“By helping keep Scotland beautiful during the Spring Clean, we hope to lead by example and encourage other people to do their bit by taking their litter away to dispose of responsibly. And it’s a great excuse for a run!”
Paths for All, Scotland’s national walking charity, wants everyone to get more active through everyday walking. To achieve this, walking routes need to be attractive, accessible, safe, and litter free.
Ian Findlay, Paths for All’s Chief Officer commented: “Welcoming and fit for purpose walking environments are essential for local communities to access and enjoy. This is why we’re encouraging our 150 Health Walk groups, hundreds of Community Path volunteers, and several workplaces engaged in our walking activities across Scotland to take part in the Spring Clean.
“Together, we can help make our outdoor environments an enjoyable and litter-free place to walk, cycle or jog in.”
To register a Spring Clean 2019 event all people need to do is visit:
www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/
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