Get involved with the Live Here Love Here Spring clean

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Live Here Love Here’s Annual Big Spring Clean initiative is back, with the civic-pride organisation hosting a series of clean-up events in Newry, including Rathfriland Community Centre on April 6th and Kilkeel Harbour on April 20th.

With Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful's Litter Composition Analysis Report revealing that there are almost 12,000,000 items of litter polluting Northern Ireland at all times, this campaign explores the environmental benefits of waste reduction.

The campaign also emphasises the importance of individuals, schools, community groups, and businesses coming together to make a tangible difference in their communities and Newry residents are being urged to organise and take part in community clean-up events this April.

These community events not only aim to raise awareness around the detrimental impact of discarded rubbish on the environment but also highlight the importance of transforming neglected areas and blighted landscapes on community well-being.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “I am very proud that my Department supports the BIG Spring Clean which is Northern Ireland’s largest volunteer clean-up campaign and provides an opportunity for everyone to join in and work collaboratively to make a real difference in their local community. Each of us has a responsibility to care for and protect our precious environment and I thank all our volunteers who make this event such a success and inspire us all to get involved and improve and protect our environment.”

Litter remains a persistent issue in Northern Ireland. Following surveys of 1,092 rural and urban roads across all local-council areas between November 2022 and February 2023, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful revealed in its Litter Composition Analysis Report that there are almost 12,000,000 items of litter polluting Northern Ireland at all times.

Big Spring Clean provides an opportunity for participants to make a tangible difference in their neighbourhoods, with the clean-up events serving as rallying points for community members to come together as Live Here Love Here Manager, Lynda Surgenor points out. She said, “We are delighted to announce the return of Big Spring Clean. This initiative continues to engage thousands of volunteers every year, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for environmental action and community engagement and this year, we hope to encourage even more people to get involved.

Lynda also shares her advice for people getting involved in litter picks. She says, “It’s important to always think about safety. This includes using the appropriate tools such as litter-pickers to protect your hands from germs and other hazards. If you spot anything unusual or dangerous do not touch it but instead get in contact with your local council. We advise litter pickers wear appropriate clothing and footwear and stick together in teams for added safety. We also recommend keeping an eye on the weather and tides. Be sure to visit our Live Here Love Here website for more guidance on how to execute a safe and successful clean-up. Now, let’s get out there and have fun, whilst doing our bit to protect the natural beauty of our great outdoors.”