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Take Your Pick


How and Who to Pick with in Lymm.

Litter is such a familiar sight, that we tend to edit it out when walking down our streets or along the trails.

But the more you start to pick up litter, the more you become aware of it – all those discarded facemasks, sweet packets, soft drinks bottles blown into the kerbside or borders. There’s so much, it can be overwhelming. So what are the options for doing your bit to tackle it?

Firstly, there’s the ‘little and often’ approach. Collecting a few bits from the area around your house or flat or on a short stroll to the shops will take 3 minutes and will probably yield a small bag. Use a picker or a thick glove and have a small freezer type bag with you. Drop it in the nearest bin and enjoy the feeling of virtue and the pleasure of a more cheerful street!

But what if you want some company? How about making the family walk a bit more purposive by taking a couple of litter picking sticks (you can buy ‘family packs) and a carrier bag or two. Many kids really enjoy helping like this, even the ones who won’t tidy their bedrooms!

Alternatively, arrange a walk with a friend and do 10 minutes. No need to fill a great black sack like the pictures in the media, just a small bag so it’s fun.

And now that lockdown is being lifted and you’re starting to feel sociable again, there’s going to be the opportunity to join one of the Litter Picking Groups in Lymm. There are three.

The first is Keep Lymm Kleen which was established and funded by the Parish Council. You may have seen the volunteers around the village in their Hi-Vis green jackets. The group is currently being relaunched so watch out for more information, especially on the resumption of monthly group picks.

Members get their own picker and jacket. They are very much hoping to get lots of new members.

The second is Lymm Litter Network – a Facebook group which the community uses to communicate litter hotspots and litter picking activities. Organiser Paul Connor, who is a champion of litter picking throughout Warrington explains, “Lymm Litter Network is proving very popular due to the sheer convenience and sense of community that stems from coordinated solo picking! You can choose to ‘Adopt a Route’ via our interactive map, or simply pick wherever takes your fancy!’’




Finally, there are Lymm Ploggers – who are part of Lymm Runners. Plogging is a way of picking up litter while running and has become a global phenomenon. The Ploggers have devised their own interpretation as it’s not easy to run with a bag of litter. They meet in an area suitable for running, have a 30-minute pick and then hold a 30 minute training session for those who want to stay behind. You don’t have to be a Lymm Runner to join them – and you don’t have to run afterwards!





And whatever you choose, remember to follow these safety guidelines


  • Do not litter pick on or around roads where the speed limit is more than 30 and has no pavements

  • Wear protective gloves, use a picker and carry hand sanitiser

  • Never pick up discarded needles and avoid broken glass or other sharp items and heavy items – report the latter to the council

  • Take care around hedges and brambles - consider eye protection

  • Wear a high-vis vest if picking on a road

  • Personal safety if going out alone and make sure children are accompanied by a responsible adult

AND FINALLY - where to put what you pick? You can place it in a public bin if there's space, in your black bin at home (or recycling if you are able to segregate while picking).




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