Seems like I have a new hobby and it’s keeping me on the streets. I had a very belated introduction to the work of Tim Poate (Plastic Free Ivybridge) who has been arranging litter picks along the Erme for some time. Eventually, I joined in on the September 2020 collection.

I had been following some ‘Rubbish Friends’ in East Anglia who do litter picks. It was time to do my own.

The sad thing is, how much is there. I only utilise my short walks with my wife but the amount just at the railway station would take half a dozen people a good hour. It would also need the grippy ‘litter pickers’ (available for free from South Hams District Council). Currently I just use the ‘other side’ of the plastic bag I’m using as a receptacle. It does mean I’m a little choosy about what I recover, though there’s plenty of ‘bigger’ stuff such as bottles and (twice) one trainer!

Well, I can say I’ve added bending down to my walks – must be doing me good. Also good to see others litter picking: a man and his daughter on the Lucerne Fields estate.