Latest news with #KeepWalesTidy
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Science
- South Wales Argus
Ynysddu Primary School wins Climate Challenge Cymru award
Ynysddu Primary School picked up the award in the Clean Our Air category at Keep Wales Tidy's innovation challenge, an initiative inspired by the Earthshot Prize. The competition was part of Climate Challenge Cymru and asked primary and secondary schools across Wales to tackle one of five global challenges or 'Earthshots'. These were to Build a Waste-Free World, Clean Our Air, Fix Our Climate, Protect and Restore Nature, and Revive Our Oceans. Ynysddu Primary School won the Clean Our Air category thanks to their creative research into using lichen to monitor air quality, and their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in their local area. They were presented with their award by Dr Jennifer Rudd, a climate expert from Swansea University, at a special ceremony in Cardiff. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "When I founded the Earthshot Climate Challenge Cymru project in 2021, I wanted to create something different - a platform that would unleash the creativity and passion of young people in Wales to tackle climate change. "What makes this project special is that it connects local action with global thinking. 'Across Wales, we've seen incredible partnerships between schools and environmental organisations, where students aren't just learning about climate change - they're taking real everyday climate action.' The competition, now managed nationally by Keep Wales Tidy's Eco-Schools team in partnership with the Welsh Government, aims to inspire young people to take action against climate change. Speaking at the Climate Challenge Cymru awards ceremony, Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said: "It's been so inspiring to see the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of young people from across Wales on display at Climate Challenge Cymru. "Not only has it been a celebration of the incredible projects they're already leading and the impact they're having but also signals a real momentum moving forward. "The passion on display gives us real hope for the future. "It's clear that with young people leading the way, we have every reason to be optimistic."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Mountain rescuers halt training to clear up litter
A mountain rescue team have said they were "heartbroken" to have to "down tools" to clean up rubbish including disposable barbecues during a training session at a beauty spot. Volunteers from the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team were out in the area known as Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog national park when they spotted litter strewn across the ground. In a post on social media, the team said they were "forced to down tools – but not for a rescue". "Our volunteers give their time to help people in need. Picking up after others shouldn't be part of the job but sadly, it's becoming more common," the volunteers said. Litter fears as TikTok sparks forest visitor surge Instagram tourists urged to respect beauty spot "In one of Wales' most beautiful areas, it was heartbreaking to see nature treated as a dumping ground. "Training was paused as our volunteers gathered as much rubbish as they could safely carry out." The team said they also found plastic bottles, crisp packets and broken glass strewn across the landscape. They warned litter "not only spoils the landscape, it's dangerous for wildlife, livestock and other visitors". They urged visitors to Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, to "follow the simple leave no trace principle: whatever you bring with you, take it home". The "Instagrammable" national park is visited by about four million people each year and, last summer, the authority urged tourists to research and respect the area. Keep Wales Tidy said recent figures showed fast food packaging was found on 26.4% of streets and drinks litter on 43.6%, saying this was "a clear sign that throwaway culture is taking a toll on every corner of Wales". It warned litter "continues to blight communities, threaten wildlife and damage our precious natural environment". The organisation has teamed up with content creators across Wales to help spread the message to new audiences via social media. Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, said it was "unacceptable that areas of such outstanding beauty are being disrespected in this way, putting wildlife, people and our fragile ecosystem at risk". He added: "We're saddened that mountain rescue volunteers had to come face to face with the growing problem of litter in one of Wales' most beautiful and fragile landscapes. "Their experience in Waterfall Country is, sadly, all too familiar." Ceredigion-based ecologist and content creator, Joe Wilkins, who does the Sandwich with a View series on Instagram, said: "As someone who loves Wales and encourages people to explore our wonderful nation responsibly, I know how vital it is that we keep these special places litter-free. "Nature in Wales is under pressure from many threats beyond our control, but taking our litter home is one simple action we can all take to help wildlife recover and thrive. "Let's make memories, not mess." 'Leave barbecues at home' Natural Resources Wales has also urged visitors to Wales' green spaces to enjoy the outdoors responsibly this summer. "To prevent wildfires from igniting, do not light campfires, discard cigarettes or leave litter in the countryside, especially glass bottles," it said. It said barbecues should be left at home in dry weather or only used in designated spaces where signs say they are allowed, before being put out and disposed of responsibly once the ashes are cold. They also urged people to stay safe around water, adding waterfalls were dangerous places to swim due to strong currents. More like this story Litter 'nightmare' as street cleanliness worst on record Man with hypothermia rescued from mountain peak Woman rescued after fall in ravine
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team halts training over litter
A mountain rescue team have said they were "heartbroken" to have to "down tools" to clean up rubbish including disposable barbecues during a training session at a beauty from the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team were out in the area known as Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog national park when they spotted litter strewn across the a post on social media, the team said they were "forced to down tools – but not for a rescue". "Our volunteers give their time to help people in need. Picking up after others shouldn't be part of the job but sadly, it's becoming more common," the volunteers said. "In one of Wales' most beautiful areas, it was heartbreaking to see nature treated as a dumping ground."Training was paused as our volunteers gathered as much rubbish as they could safely carry out."The team said they also found plastic bottles, crisp packets and broken glass strewn across the warned litter "not only spoils the landscape, it's dangerous for wildlife, livestock and other visitors".They urged visitors to Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, to "follow the simple leave no trace principle: whatever you bring with you, take it home". The "Instagrammable" national park is visited by about four million people each year and, last summer, the authority urged tourists to research and respect the area. Keep Wales Tidy said recent figures showed fast food packaging was found on 26.4% of streets and drinks litter on 43.6%, saying this was "a clear sign that throwaway culture is taking a toll on every corner of Wales".It warned litter "continues to blight communities, threaten wildlife and damage our precious natural environment".The organisation has teamed up with content creators across Wales to help spread the message to new audiences via social Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, said it was "unacceptable that areas of such outstanding beauty are being disrespected in this way, putting wildlife, people and our fragile ecosystem at risk".He added: "We're saddened that mountain rescue volunteers had to come face to face with the growing problem of litter in one of Wales' most beautiful and fragile landscapes. "Their experience in Waterfall Country is, sadly, all too familiar."Ceredigion-based ecologist and content creator, Joe Wilkins, who does the Sandwich with a View series on Instagram, said: "As someone who loves Wales and encourages people to explore our wonderful nation responsibly, I know how vital it is that we keep these special places litter-free. "Nature in Wales is under pressure from many threats beyond our control, but taking our litter home is one simple action we can all take to help wildlife recover and thrive. "Let's make memories, not mess." 'Leave barbecues at home' Natural Resources Wales has also urged visitors to Wales' green spaces to enjoy the outdoors responsibly this summer."To prevent wildfires from igniting, do not light campfires, discard cigarettes or leave litter in the countryside, especially glass bottles," it said. It said barbecues should be left at home in dry weather or only used in designated spaces where signs say they are allowed, before being put out and disposed of responsibly once the ashes are also urged people to stay safe around water, adding waterfalls were dangerous places to swim due to strong currents.
Western Telegraph
23-07-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Allen's View, Tenby celebrates 60th birthday and Keep Wales Tidy award
Allen's View, on Tenby's North Cliff, was bequeathed to the community by the late Miss Jessie Allen. It is now 60 years since Miss Allen made the generous gesture to enable the public to enjoy 'a paradise of tranquillity overlooking the busy town of Tenby and beyond'. The viewpoint's guardians, Tenby Civic Society, have now held a small ceremony to mark the 60th birthday of Allen's View – and also the area's achievement in receiving a Keep Wales Tidy green space award. Tenby Ciic Society vice-chair, Harry Gardiner and the mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan, are pictured with the Green Flag awarded to Allen's View. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Tenby Civic Society's vice-chairman, Harry Gardiner, said: 'It is fitting that in its 60th year of public access, Allen's View has met the wide environmental requirements of Keep Wales Tidy's Green Flag Community Award. "Allen's View is a hilltop woodland viewpoint, a short walk along the coast path north from Tenby and has views north and south from the hill crest by Bowman's Point. "Several paths lead through the mix of native and planted trees, bushes, plants and flowers in a variety of habitats. "Glades include benches, picnic tables, litter bins, substantial wood carvings of birds and two recent groups of Welsh apple trees. "Two groups of a dozen tall Monterey trees stand out on the skyline north of Tenby." Tenby's mayor, Dai Morgan, joined Tenby Civic Society's chair, Chris Osborne (left) vice-chair, Harry Gardiner (right) and members Neil Westerman, Tony Evans and Richard Reed for the celebrations. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Tenby Civic Society manage the site, which was gifted in 1965 by Miss Jessie Allen, who then lived at the adjoining property, Clovers. Added Mr Gardiner: "Over 60 years, several generations of committee members and volunteers have maintained Allen's View. "The site has a quiet character that well suits access being only on foot for walkers along the coast path, maintaining its original dedication by Miss Allen 'for the quiet enjoyment of the public'. Keep Wales Tidy's Green Flag co-ordinator, Lucy Frisk, said: "We are thrilled to see a new record of 223 community managed green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag Status; testament to the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers. "These sites play a vital role in the physical and mental well being of communities across Wales. ' A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website, linked above.
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Radio station first in Wales to win Green Flag for community garden
BGfm, based in Blaenau Gwent, won the award, administered by Keep Wales Tidy, got its garden in Nantyglo. The garden has become a hub for residents, volunteers, and listeners alike – offering a peaceful, green space which encourages sustainability, education, and connection. Stephen Bower, director of operations for BGfm, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the Green Flag Award. 'This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team of volunteers and supporters who have transformed our garden into a flourishing, vibrant space for the community.' Developed and maintained entirely by volunteers, the garden has pollinator-friendly planting, accessible seating, upcycled materials, and educational signage designed to raise awareness of biodiversity and climate-friendly gardening practices. It has been used for a number of community events, workshops, training and live broadcasts. The award goes to spaces which meet high environmental standards, are beautifully maintained, and offer a welcoming space for the community. BGfm sends its thanks to all supporters, volunteers, and community members who contributed time, energy, and enthusiasm to make this achievement possible.
