Wiltshire residents urged to join the Great British Spring Clean 2026

Wiltshire Council is encouraging residents, schools and community groups to take part in the Great British Spring Clean 2026, which runs from 13 to 29 March.

The national campaign, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is the UK’s biggest mass action environmental initiative, bringing together people across the country to pledge to pick up litter and improve their local areas.

Wiltshire Council and environmental contractor idverde are offering support to communities that want to organise their own litter picking events. Equipment can be loaned to town and parish councils, schools and local groups, with bagged waste collected after events where needed.

The campaign builds on strong local participation last year, when more than 150 litter picks took place across Wiltshire, with volunteers collecting over 9,800 kilograms of litter as part of the Don’t Mess with Wiltshire campaign.

Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, said keeping Wiltshire clean was something everyone could take pride in.

He said litter not only damages the look of towns and countryside, but also harms wildlife and the wider environment. He added that although the council spends more than £2 million each year clearing litter, community involvement is vital to making a real difference.

Schools are also being invited to take part through the Great Big School Clean. Last year more than 50 Wiltshire schools joined in, with pupils using specially provided kits including litter pickers, gloves and hi vis vests.

This year, schools are being encouraged to link their clean ups with the new Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative. This will help schools create nature rich spaces and inspire children to care for the environment through activities such as planting wildflowers, building bug hotels and creating bird habitats.

Groups and schools can sign up to the Great British Spring Clean and request equipment or waste collections by contacting the Community Engagement Manager at wiltshirehelpdesk@idverde.co.uk.

Volunteers are encouraged to use household bins or public litter bins for smaller amounts of waste. For larger events collecting more than ten bags of rubbish, a one off collection can be arranged by the council.