Barratt and David Wilson Homes take part in Edinburgh litter pick

Housebuilder proves spring cleaning isn’t just for the home

Volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of the UK’s largest housebuilder Barratt Redrow, have dedicated their time to cleaning up in locations around Edinburgh.

The litter-pick formed part of the wider Barratt Redrow CleanUp, now in its third year, organised by the housebuilder’s charitable arm, The Barratt Redrow Foundation in partnership with CleanupUK.

A team of volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland division set out to litter pick at West Craigs and Union Canal, which is popular with dog walkers, runners and families.

The team of 47 volunteers cleared nearly 100 bags of discarded waste, which included products that are known to be damaging to the environment and local wildlife and take a long time to break down, such as disposable vapes, wipes, batteries and cigarette butts.

The team sifted through greenery to remove waste, helping create a cleaner and safer environment for children, animals and tourists heading into the summer months.

Initiatives like this are important for amplifying the impact of litter-picking and community tidying efforts in the areas where the housebuilder operates and links closely to its ethos.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes are focused on building quality homes and creating vibrant new communities with open green spaces that enhance biodiversity and wellbeing, creating greener, healthier and more sustainable living environments for homeowners and wildlife alike.

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director for Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “In Scotland, we’re lucky to have such picturesque green spaces on our doorstep, so we all have a responsibility to ensure this landscape continues to thrive.

“As the UK’s largest housebuilder, we place great emphasis on leaving communities better than we found them, whether that’s by alleviating housing shortages, improving infrastructure or like in this instance, protecting the environment.

“Our employee volunteers did a great job clearing spots around Edinburgh which are enjoyed by residents across our West Craigs and West Craigs Quarter developments.”

CleanupUK, which helped with the organisation of the litter pick, is a nationwide charity that unites volunteers to form community-led litter picking initiatives in their local areas.

Edinburgh City Council provided the volunteers with the necessary equipment and will lead on disposing of the collected waste.

In total, over 60 clean-up events are taking place across the UK this spring, with hundreds of Barratt Redrow staff taking part.

To explore homes currently available in Edinburgh, visit Barratt @ West Craigs and David Wilson Homes West Craigs Quarter.

Keep Scotland Beautiful: Get involved in Spring Clean Scotland

We’re down to the final week of #SpringCleanScotland and we want to capture all of your brilliant efforts!

If you register your litter pick before midnight on Friday 24 April you’ll be in with a chance of winning one of four £100 Helping Hand Environmental vouchers!

We have one voucher for uniformed groups, one voucher for sports clubs and/or organisations, and two further vouchers for any group or individual who registers their pick. All previous registrations also count towards the prize draw.

Have you taken part in a litter pick recently?

Enter your event’s details on our website for a chance to win a #SpringCleanScotland prize!

Get involved in Spring Clean Scotland

15 MARCH – 28 APRIL

The theme of this years #SpringCleanScotland is Nature, Communities, Health & Wellbeing and Marine Litter. 🌍

You can help us #KeepScotlandBeautiful by organising or joining a litter pick or by completeing a litter survey. 🚮

Find out more here 👉https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/springclean

Cleaning up Craigmillar

CRAIGMILLAR WEEK OF ACTION LAUNCHED

Climate-conscious residents will be exercising their green fingers next week as they carry out a large-scale community clean-up of their local area.

During the ‘Craigmillar Week of Action’, people living in Craigmillar Town Centre, Greendykes and Niddrie House will spend the week working with their Housing Associations and the Council to carry out litter picks and remove bulky waste and illegally dumped items from common stairs, gardens and communal spaces.

With several skip loads expected to be collected in the following locations, other interested residents are also invited to turn up to lend a hand. Bags, pickers, and gloves will be provided.

  • Monday 27 June 9.30am – 2pm at Niddrie House Square
  • Tuesday 28 June 9.30am – 2pm at Harewood Road/Crescent and the Hays Community Business Centre
  • Wednesday 29 June 9.30am – 2pm at Capella Gardens in Greendykes
  • Thursday 30 June 9.30am – 2pm at Omans Pub on Peffer Place
  • Friday 1 July 9.30am-1pm at Castle Rock Edinvar for a thank you celebration

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Well done to everyone taking part. It’s great to see community spirit in action and people taking pride in their local area. This week of action involves a huge effort from our tenants, who are taking a stand against the actions of a thoughtless few.

“Across the city, Council officers work hard to keep common areas and green spaces clean. But we all need to take responsibility. There is no excuse for these tenants’ homes to be blighted by people fly-tipping and littering and I’m grateful to those clubbing together to make a real difference.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal, local area commander for Edinburgh North East, said: “In Edinburgh we want to build on the excellent partnership working that exists at all levels as we strive to deliver the very best policing service to our local communities.

“As such, we relish opportunities like this to work with partners to aid community wellbeing and help clean up the local area.”

Ciara Toland, Head of Neighbourhoods at Places for People Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many community groups, local organisations, businesses, and of course residents, coming together to help keep Craigmillar clean and tidy.

“A huge thanks to everyone for getting involved and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with residents and colleagues throughout the week.”

Coordinated by Places for People and Edinburgh Council’s Housing Operations team, the initiative is being supported by colleagues from Waste & Cleansing, Street Enforcement, and Parks & Greenspace, as well as the Wheatley Group, Dunedin Canmore Housing, Manor Estates and Lowther Homes.

Commercial partners Kier Group, NWH Group, Morrison Construction, Ross Quality Surveyors and Skanska have also given up their valuable time and resources to help with waste collection, weeding, litter picking and providing equipment and materials to help ensure a week of success.