Thousands Join Forces to Tidy Wales as Spring Clean Cymru 2025 Continues

There’s still time to grab a litter picker and join the wave of environmental action sweeping across Wales, as Spring Clean Cymru 2025 continues through to Sunday, 6 April.

The nationwide campaign, which encourages people to show pride in their communities by tackling litter, has already seen more than 6,500 volunteers take part in over 250 organised clean-up events. From city streets to coastlines, parks to riversides, families, schools, community groups and local businesses are rallying together to help create a cleaner, greener Wales.

Organised by Keep Wales Tidy, Spring Clean Cymru forms part of the wider UK effort known as the Great British Spring Clean, which is also led by Keep Britain Tidy in England and Keep Scotland Beautiful north of the border.

This year’s campaign began with a bang on Friday 21 March, as 1,327 volunteers made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the Most Participants in a River Clean-up at Multiple Locations. Spearheaded by environmental campaigner Kate Strong and freshwater expert Dr Numair Masud, the record-breaking clean-up focused on the River Taff, with events stretching from Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd to Cardiff’s Taff Embankment and Cardiff Bay. Supported by Keep Wales Tidy and other environmental organisations, volunteers collected hundreds of bags of rubbish from the water and surrounding areas.

Wales’ Deputy First Minister and Climate Change lead, Huw Irranca-Davies, praised the volunteers for their dedication:
“Llongyfarchiadau to everyone who’s taken part so far, especially those who helped make history on the River Taff. You’re making a real difference in building a cleaner, greener Wales.”

He added that efforts shouldn’t stop with the campaign:

“With Welsh Government funding and over 240 litter picking hubs across the country, people can borrow equipment and continue caring for their local areas all year round.”

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire echoed the call to action:
“Our campaign theme this year is #LoveWhereYouLive – and that spirit is clear in every volunteer taking part. Each piece of litter picked up is a step toward a better, healthier environment for all.”

He also stressed the ongoing nature of the issue:
“Litter isn’t a two-week problem. Thanks to ongoing government support and the tireless work of our volunteers, we’re able to tackle it all year round. For anyone joining in for the first time – we hope you’ll be inspired to keep going.”

There’s still time to get involved. Whether it’s a solo clean-up of your local park or joining a larger community event, anyone can register or find a nearby clean-up on the Keep Wales Tidy website. Litter picking equipment can be borrowed from local hubs listed online.

To sign up or learn more, visit: www.keepwalestidy.cymru