A CHARD community group will be holding its 50th litter pick next month.
Plastic Free Chard is a group of volunteers that works with the organisation "Surfers Against Sewage" which aims to help clean up the environment and stop litter from getting into our waterways.
Chard has two streams which reportedly join the Rivers Isle and Axe, meaning any litter dropped in the town could end up entering the sea.
Over the last six years monthly litter picks have been held around Chard with approximately five tonnes of rubbish collected, sorted, and recycled.
The regular event has attracted families, grandparents, school pupils, scouts, and councillors who have all given their time to improve where they live.
Serena Wootton, who founded the group, said: “Litter picks in Chard have been happening for longer than ten years, but I have personally been organising the last six years there have been regular, monthly litter picks and the next one in October will be the 50th.
“I am often asked why I litter pick, and ‘who comes along and picks up other people’s rubbish?’ “My motivation to organise litter picks is to remove thousands of bags of potentially recyclable material off the streets and hedges in my community.
“I spend time after the litter pick sorting the rubbish and recycling as much as possible and never send any of it to landfill.
“Some people attend to meet and chat with others, as a safe social gathering, some people feel passionate about their community looking tidy and cared for, some like the exercise, and others understand the importance of keeping plastics out of the rivers, seas, and hedgerows which are massive habitats full of wildlife.
“Whatever the reason, nearly every month, brilliant people turn up and spend a couple of hours finding rubbish, picking it up, bagging it, and walking it back to the meeting point for some homemade cake.
“I am always blown away by how many people keep helping. Chard has a big heart.”
The litter pick will take place on October 21. If you would like to be involved just meet at the Community Hub on Fore Street at 10am, all equipment will be provided and there will be cake at the end for those who volunteer.
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