Volunteers are requested for a litter clean up at Wintour's Leap on Sunday 26 February.

We last did this very successfully 4 years ago, but those who climb there regularly will know that a fair amount of rubbish has accumulated again in the vicinity of the Easy Way Down and the foot of the crag.

In addition, depending on the amount of muscle available on the day, there is an old motorbike and a lot more scrap metal lurking in the undergrowth below the crag – if we can shift it, the place will be better for it.

There's room for 2-3 people to clean the area round the Easy Way Down on abseil ropes, but there's also plenty of stuff that's accessible on foot, so there's no need for everyone to bring gear. What I do recommend is bring the toughest pair of gloves you can lay your hands on – a lot of the rubbish is broken glass or nasty bits of metal. Bags will be provided courtesy of the Forest of Dean District Council, and they will take the stuff away on Monday morning.

The land is owned and managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and they are delighted we’re doing this and it should provide some very good publicity for climbers.

Gather at the usual parking place on Lancaut Lane between 9.30-10am – this should give enough time to clear the bulk of it by early afternoon so people can get a route done in the afternoon sun... it'll be far too cold to climb there in the morning anyway.

If you are thinking of coming, could you let us know (email BMC rep Rick Sewards at wye_valley@yahoo.com)  It's just so we can get an idea of numbers  – extra volunteers will always be welcome on the day. – it’s just so I can get an idea of numbers.

Cotswold Outdoor will be continuing their support of BMC clean-ups by financing some refreshments for volunteers and sending along some manpower from their Bristol store.

Latest access details for Wintour's Leap.

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