Redbridge Council is supporting the initiative by lending litter pickers to local residents free of charge, making it easier for individuals and groups to get involved.
Redbridge is uniting for the Great British Spring Clean 2025, with local litter-picking heroes leading efforts to keep the borough clean and beautiful. Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign runs from until 6 April and encourages communities to take pride in their neighbourhoods by collecting and disposing of litter responsibly.
Redbridge Council is supporting the initiative by lending litter pickers to local residents free of charge, making it easier for individuals and groups to get involved. Several community groups and schools have already committed to the cause, ensuring that a collective effort will make a significant impact.
Oakdale Infants’ School in South Woodford is among the enthusiastic participants, with students pledging to collect 50 bags of litter during the campaign. Carlotta, a five-year-old student at the school, shared her excitement, saying that litter picking with her teacher and friends makes her happy because she feels she is respecting the planet and helping to keep it safe for others. Seven-year-old Alba echoed these sentiments, believing that taking part in the campaign is a way to show others that they care about their local environment.
The initiative extends beyond schools, with a range of organised community litter-picking events taking place across the borough. The South Park Users Group has scheduled multiple litter picks at South Park in Ilford on 29 March, 12 April, and 26 April. Volunteers will meet at 11am at the Wildlife Centre, and all necessary equipment will be provided. The event is open to anyone keen to help, and participants can enjoy tea and snacks afterwards.
A separate litter pick is set to take place on 22 March outside St. Albans Church in Ilford, organised by Clementswood Councillors in partnership with the Council’s Our Streets team. Volunteers will be clearing rubbish along Albert Road and are advised to bring their own gloves, although other materials will be provided. Meanwhile, the Wanstead Society and local councillors continue their monthly clean-up sessions, with their next gathering scheduled for 19 April at Woodbine Place bus stop in Wanstead.
South Woodford residents are also rallying behind the cause, with the South Woodford Society organising two community litter picks on 23 March and 27 April. The sessions will take place from 11am to 1pm, starting from SoWo Orchard at the corner of Mulberry Way and Primrose Road. The society will provide litter pickers and bags, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves.
Community litter-picking events are not just about tidying up; they offer a chance for people to connect with their neighbours, strengthen community bonds, and foster a shared sense of responsibility for the local environment. Louise Burgess, Sustainability Lead for the South Woodford Society, highlighted the unexpected joys of litter picking, describing it as “weirdly addictive.” She noted that it is immensely satisfying to see the visible difference made in a short period of time and added that children, in particular, have boundless enthusiasm for the activity.
Scientific research underscores the positive impact of a clean environment on mental well-being. A study commissioned by Keep Britain Tidy in collaboration with Kärcher found that people living in cleaner neighbourhoods reported higher levels of happiness and lower levels of frustration. The findings reinforce the importance of initiatives like the Great British Spring Clean, which not only enhance the visual appeal of an area but also contribute to the emotional well-being of residents.
The campaign is open to everyone, and individuals can participate at any level, from collecting a single bag of litter to challenging themselves to pick up litter daily. Redbridge Council continues to promote environmental responsibility through various initiatives and encourages all residents to take part in this year’s Great British Spring Clean.
For more details on how to borrow a litter picker or join a local event, visit the Redbridge Council website. More information about the national campaign is available on the Keep Britain Tidy website. Together, Redbridge residents are making a difference, one bag of litter at a time.
