Keep Britain Tidy has praised an “army” of litter-pickers across the South East after more than 62,000 bags of rubbish were pledged during this year’s Great British Spring Clean.
Volunteers from Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex all took part in the 2026 campaign, with a total of 62,627 bags of litter committed to be collected.
Throughout the campaign, participants uncovered a range of unusual items, including toy soldiers, underpants and even food packaging more than 40 years past its sell-by date.
The charity described the region’s contribution as a huge success, with individuals, community groups, businesses and local authorities joining forces to protect the environment and local wildlife. Data shared by volunteers suggests tens of thousands of so-called “Litter Heroes” took to streets, parks and beaches to remove rubbish.
Schools also played a key role, with thousands of pupils taking part in the Great Big School Clean. The initiative aims to educate young people about the impact of litter on wildlife, while demonstrating how small actions can collectively make a significant difference.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “Thanks to the collective force of determined South East residents we are celebrating an incredible number of bags picked across the region’s counties.
“It’s clear that the impact of people-power here has been huge, proving that the people of the South East really do love where they live.
“We remain truly in awe of the efforts of our supporters and volunteers across the region’s communities, schools, voluntary organisations, businesses and local authorities – thank you to all of you.”
The campaign is the UK’s largest mass-action environmental effort. Previous surveys found 95 per cent of participants felt they made a difference locally, while 88 per cent said they felt part of a wider national movement tackling litter.
Environmental groups warn litter continues to harm wildlife, with thousands of animals injured or trapped each year.
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