Meet the Volunteer... Richard Mallinson

Each edition we will be meeting volunteers from our community. This time we are looking at East Hunsbury Litter Pickers. The Parish Council have supported volunteers who are passionate about keeping our community clean. We have a mini-army of people, including families, seniors, and our schools, who all play their part. As a Parish Council, we help to organise larger community picks, and loan equipment – pick sticks, bags and gloves – to people who want to pick on a regular basis.

Richard Mallinson and his family are stalwarts of the group – so we had a chat to find out more about this important local volunteer.

Hi Richard. You really were one of the people who started East Hunsbury Litter Pickers – how did you get involved?

I have been a litter picker for a long time. A few years ago I wanted to tackle a large problem area around Blackymore Park - I knew that there would be like minded people like me in East Hunsbury, so I formed the East Hunsbury Litter Pickers facebook group. Like minded people joined, and the first group litter pick (like all subsequent group litter picks) was well attended.

You seem really concerned with the environment –what effect do you think litter has on where we live?

Litter looks awful. It is harmful to children, pets, and wildlife (for example broken glass causes cuts). I believe in the ‘broken windows theory’ (where small problems like litter and broken windows should be fixed) – as if litter builds up then it encourages and leads to escalating problems – more littering, antisocial behaviour, graffiti, fly tipping, drug use etc.

We know that your whole family gets involved – how do the children benefit from this sort of activity?

My children enjoy litter picking – it is good exercise in the fresh air, and it helps with their fine motor skills. It also helps them learn about caring for the environment.

Where do you pick and how often?

I usually pick most weeks. Whenever my family walks to the local park (which we usually do at weekends) I normally take a bag and litter picker. It is easy to pick as part of the normal walk – and if I pick one bag a week then the litter fits in my own wheelie bins, so there is no need to arrange collection of the litter.

How important is it to have support from parish councils, other organisations?

Litter is a big problem, but there are relatively bigger problems in society – so litter picking will never get the resources it fully needs. However, we can make a significant impact on the problem - so support from anywhere is beneficial and really does make a difference. We are fortunate in East Hunsbury to have a supportive parish council who make a big contribution. I have spoken to other litter pickers who said their parish council was not interested – so thank you Liz for your efforts.

What would you say to anyone who wants to pick, but doesn’t know how to start?

Get involved! It is enjoyable and satisfying. You can do as much or as little as you like as often or rarely as you like. If you do not know where to start then contact Liz at the parish council, who can assist with advice, lending equipment and providing bags. I must point out that if you do pick litter you must dispose of it properly – so put it in your own wheelie bins, or arrange for it to be collected – Liz can offer more guidance if needed.

You have lived here for a while – whats the best thing about living in East Hunsbury?

There are lots of things I like about East Hunsbury – the people, the open spaces, the shops and the facilities. As I have young children I think the best thing about East Hunsbury is Wootton Park School – I think the school is absolutely fantastic.

How do people find out more about East Hunsbury Litter Pickers

Anyone can join the East Hunsbury Litter Pickers' Facebook group, and anyone is welcome to post in the group as well – showing your own litter picking helps encourage others to pick. Group litter picks are advertised in the Facebook group (although to best honest group litter picks are not held particularly often). Anyone is welcome to arrange their own group litter pick and advertise it – local people will want to come and help. Liz at the parish council is a good contact for advice, equipment and bags. I must also recommend that anyone interested in litter picking joins the Northants Litter Wombles' Facebook group – this is a county wide group, very large, very active - and it is a brilliant group.

Anyone who wants to know more about how to litter pick please get in touch with our parish council office. Tel: 01604 708429 email: community@easthunsburyparishcouncil.gov.uk