Parts of the Peak District attract more than their fair share of rubbish – but after well over 100 volunteers blitzed a litter hotspot in the Peak District, one particular corner is looking a lot better.

On a sunny Sunday last weekend, a small army of outdoor enthusiasts – including volunteers from the BMC Peak Area – descended on Surprise View in the Peak District.

Their aim was literally rubbish. In just two and half hours 116 volunteers collected 130 kilograms of the stuff (about as heavy as an average male Giant Panda, in case you were wondering).

It was part of guiding company Peak Mountaineering’s annual ‘Pick and Play’ event, which combines a morning mass litter-pick with an afternoon of outdoor activity provided by volunteer guides and instructors

Generous

This year it was based at the Surprise View car park near Hathersage, five minutes’ drive from the outskirts of Sheffield. Collectors helped clear areas near Lawrencefield and Millstone, the roadside verges near the Fox House Inn, and a particular problem area near the Longshaw Estate.

Once the collection was complete the participants enjoyed a range of outdoor activities including climbing and abseiling, orienteering, ‘weaselling’, navigation training, bushcraft and a guided Ranger walk. 

Fantastic effort by all last weekend's #peakmountaineering @PeakPark_PPCV Pick & Play litter team. #peakdistrictnationalpark pic.twitter.com/Zbo64RS6Hu

— paul lewis (@peakpaul) May 18, 2017

The event is completely free for participants and relies on the generous donated time of qualified Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and Mountain Training Association (MTA) members, the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers and the Peak Park Ranger Service.  

Volunteers from the BMC’s Peak Area, including Hill Walking Rep Peter Judd, attended and provided activities and materials.  

Support

The event was also supported by a number of businesses including  Rab, Nikwax, Osprey Packs, Hydroflask, Lifeventure, Revive Medicare and Yumpa Bar. 

Designed to both clean up the park and educate people on the importance of taking home their litter, the event attracts participants of a variety of ages - this year the youngest participant was only 12 weeks old and the old was 89.

Next year’s event is already scheduled to run on Sunday 13 May. There is no cost to participants – anyone keen to sign up should contact Peak Mountaineering via their website Contact Form.

Did at bit of profile raising for @Team_BMC at @peakpaul #PeakMountaineering 's Pick and Play event. Great to see enthusiastic participants pic.twitter.com/KZKP6xYmdU

— Fell Walker (@Aimhigh09) May 14, 2017

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