Linda Hadfield of Keep Rhiwbina Tidy at their half-term litter pick. Credit: Sam Feierabend

Alternative to the usual half-term activities as 53 children help with litter picking

Families collected 43 bags of rubbish with the help of Keep Rhiwbina Tidy

MORE than 50 families in Rhiwbina enjoyed an alternative half-term activity this week – litter-picking.

Fifty three children and 59 adults took part in the event organised by the Keep Rhiwbina Tidy group.

“We pick on the last Wednesday of each month, which lines us up perfectly with half-terms,” said Linda Hadfield, secretary of Keep Rhiwbina Tidy.

“It is all about education and awareness-raising. It is really pleasing that schools have made eco-education part of the curriculum in the area. The children know more about it than their parents.”

Children, who were encouraged to participate as a way of engaging in the community, helped collect rubbish around three locations: Rhiwbina Hub, Heol Llanishen Fach Post Office and the Pantmawr Inn car park.

Overall, they collected 41 bags of litter and two bags of recycling.

All equipment was provided by Cardiff Council’s Love Where You Live scheme. This was set up for residents to organise community events such as these. The scheme also provides storage space for the group’s equipment free of charge at Rhiwbina Hub.

“We fundraise ourselves but have local businesses and pubs supporting us by giving donations which we are really grateful for,” said Ms Hadfield.

The group is affiliated to the wider Keep Wales Tidy group. There are 18 Keep Tidy groups in Cardiff.

“Learning about the impact that litter has on our communities, wildlife, people, and our oceans is important as it enables people to see the consequence of actions and understand why it is important to take action,” said Bryony Bromley, Education Manager for Keep Wales Tidy.

“Being a part of the cure is a vital step in learning about how we could prevent future litter and be a proactive part of the solution.

“Empowering young people to be able to create solutions and work collaboratively in their communities is a key principle of the work that Keep Wales Tidy does, both through Eco-Schools and through practical activities like those organised by Keep Rhiwbina Tidy.”