Volunteers collected more than 130kg of rubbish

Volunteers collected more than 130kg of rubbish

More than 100 volunteers, aged from 12 weeks to 89 years old, joined in a Peak District clean-up event.

The annual Pick and Play took place at and around Surprise View near Hathersage, and saw more than 130kg of rubbish collected in 2½ hours.

The event was organised by Peak Mountaineering boss Paul Lewis. Participants were then treated to outdoor activities in the afternoon as a reward for their efforts.

The 116 volunteers also tidied areas near Lawrencefield and Millstone, the roadside verges towards Fox Houses and a litter problem area near the Longshaw Estate.

Mr Lewis said: “Once the collection was complete the participants enjoyed a range of outdoor activities including climbing and abseiling, orienteering, weaselling, navigation training, bushcraft and a guided ranger walk.

“The event is completely free for participants and relies on the generous of qualified Association of Mountaineering Instructors and Mountain Training Association members who generously give up their weekend, the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers and the Peak Park ranger service.

“The event is generously supported by a number of businesses who provide products for a give-away goodie bag and a lunchtime raffle. Rab and Nikwax have kindly supported the event for the last three years and this year generous support was also provided by Osprey Packs, Hydroflask, Lifeventure, Revive Medicare and Yumpa Bar. The British Mountaineering Council peak region also sent representatives.

It was the fifth year the Peak District Pick and Play has been staged. The event is designed to clean up the park as well as to educate people on the importance of taking home their litter.

Next year’s event, which is free to participants, is planned for 13 May. Anyone interested in taking part should contact the organisers via the contact form on the Peak Mountaineering website.

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