Litter picking is 'silver lining of lockdown' for mother and son

A generic shot of a young volunteer picking up litter in a park. Pic: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Alice Strang’s 14-year-old son signed up to complete his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award this summer, which required him to volunteer an hour a week of his time for three months.

But due to the Covid-19 pandemic his choice of activity was limited to things he could do on his own and close to home.

He settled on litter picking, and convinced his mother to come along with him in case he was seen by any of his friends, so they would think she had made him do it.

The resultant hour a week in Harrison Parks East and West and the tow path beside them turned out to be the “silver lining of lockdown” for Ms Strang.

"Our Saturday ‘litter hour’ soon became a highlight of my week,” she said.

"We re-discovered the parks of his early childhood where we had played on a virtually daily basis, since ousted by other activities.

"Our eyes soon became attuned to spotting crisp packets in flowerbeds, fizzy drink cans beside benches and wet wipes in the most secluded corners.

His mother said litter picking was the silver lining of lockdown.

"We appreciated our neighbourhood’s natural surroundings as never before, despite our task, enjoying the rustle of the leaves of the canalside trees, the lush green of the park grass and the apples and brambles which grew as Summer turned into Autumn.”

Ms Strang and her son kept a log of the number of bin bags they collected each week, which ranged from half a bag to two bags.

The pair also collected large items including a tent, a volleyball net and a big piece of plywood.

They also came across a collection of traffic cones, and a dozen empty Corona beer bottles stashed under a hedge.

"We were often thanked by other park users, who despaired at those who made our efforts necessary,” said Ms Strang.

"The multiple ways in which these vital green spaces are enjoyed by the community, especially during lockdown, became clear. Dog walkers, young children toddling about, personal trainers with clients and senior citizens enjoying the sunshine from the comfort of a bench – they all proved the parks and towpath to be much used, greatly appreciated and beneficial to many.

“As the required three months came to an end we realised that litter picking had given us a tangible sense of achievement. We felt we had helped the environment and contributed towards making our area a nicer place for everyone.

"However, the best bit for me was one-on-one time with my teenager. This ‘side-by-side’ activity encouraged flowing conversation of a sort rarely enjoyed at home. As a result, litter picking was the silver lining to my lockdown.”

Green Councillor Gavin Corbett, who is the assessor for the activity, said: “Huge thanks to this young man, aged 14, who has spent the last three months litter-picking Harrison Park and the canal towpath on a weekly basis as part of his

Duke of Edinburgh Award. I’ll look forward to signing off his assessment!

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