Hunting's rural spring clean

The Countryside Alliance (CA) is joining forces with hunts across the country to clean up rural areas over a weekend dedicated to picking up litter in and around the countryside on 2nd & 3rd June.

Just last week the Environment Minister, Dr Therese Coffey MP, announced that the Government will review sentencing for those found guilty of tipping waste. The Countryside Alliance has long-campaigned against fly-tipping and welcomed this commitment to review the current punishments from the Minister but remains concerned that if stronger action is not taken then we may continue to see fly-tipping increasing every year to an unacceptable level.

Polly Portwin, the Countryside Alliance's Head of Hunting commented: "The rural spring clean will take place over two days and it is hoped that the hunting community across the country will embrace this idea to help to keep our beautiful countryside litter-free. We are encouraging those taking part to enlist the help of others in their local areas to show the true spirit of the countryside. Not only is discarded rubbish an eyesore, but it is potentially hazardous to farmed livestock, wild animals and domestic pets.

"It is believed that those who drop litter from their vehicles or while out walking and cycling through our wonderful countryside and on rural roads do so because they are unlikely to be observed carrying out such socially unacceptable behaviour. We are highlighting the increasing problem that littering has become and are urging those who visit and live in rural areas to respect the countryside by taking their litter home with them.

"This type of organised activity by those who follow hounds is another example of their involvement in local communities, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of pounds they raise for charities such as cancer research and the air ambulance through designated hunt events and donations."

The CA has ordered some natural fibre rubbish collection bags for use in this dedicated campaign which will be distributed to hunts in the lead up to the event. To receive a bag just go on to our website and register here. If people are unavailable on the 2nd and 3rd June but would still like to take part in the Big Spring Clean, please let us know when you plan to hold your event by emailing [email protected]