25/05/2026
What an amazing week, with the sun coming out the volunteers have been out in force by both joining group picks and out independently solo picking across the city. Everyone’s effort makes this city what it is and makes us proud to be part of the Clean Our Patch family.
19th
🌱 West Park - 5 bags
Write up by Ray - I’d been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast all morning, and every update seemed to promise the same thing. Wind, rain, and a thoroughly miserable morning. Still, armed with litter pickers, bags, and wrapped head-to-toe in my foul-weather gear, I set off to meet El and Ash, determined not to let the forecast win.
As I walked to meet them, a familiar feeling crept in, my ears began to whistle in the breeze, something that always seems to happen just before the weather changes. Sure enough, the heavy skies began to shift, and for a moment it felt as though we might escape the worst of it after all.
Together, we headed to the Woodland Fort area of West Park and began our litter pick. The park was quiet, damp from earlier showers, as we worked our way through the area. Before long, Tom and Wale arrived to join us, turning our small effort into a team of five determined volunteers. Several friendly dogs greeted us.
Bag by bag, the litter began to disappear. Hidden cans, food wrappers, bottles, and scraps that had been scattered across the park were quickly collected, and in what felt like no time at all, we’d filled five bags between us.
As we looked around at the cleared paths and cleaner green spaces, El and Ash remarked that there seemed to be less litter than usual this time. It was a small but encouraging sign that perhaps our regular clean-ups and the growing awareness within the community are starting to make a real difference.
We left West Park tired, but proud of what we’d achieved together. There’s always something deeply satisfying about knowing you’ve helped restore a little bit of nature for everyone to enjoy.
Massive thanks to Ray for helping with transport while the van was in the garage for minor repairs.
20th
🌱 Crownhill - 11 bags
El ran the pick and was joined by Tom and Eli. They had a lovely walk through the woods and cleared a few bags of grot. Tom enjoyed playing on the rope swings we found and uncovered a lovely green rug that we disposed of. It was great to see this end of Rothesay looking so much better.
🌱 High View - 3 bags
Well done to Jack for finding the buried Glass in the grass. We picked it safely and I'm sure we saved some dog Paws of being hurt. Unfortunately I had to leave a bit early, Jack and Dad continued to litter pick on the way home.
Alfie did a full bag this evening whilst on a dog walk.
Thank you to the parents who came along
Good to see everyone. The other bags are in the bin.
22nd
🌱 Millbay - 7 bags
El and Ash ran the pick and they were joined by Tom, Wendy and Emma. They had a gentle walk around the area and cleared all they found. The area is looking really good and it was nice to see. El popped in to see some of Clean Our Patch at the I-grow Day centre. We then continued our rounds and found a few piles of grot to tidy. We then bumped into a gent called Harry who has been litter picking around the area daily….no wonder it was looking so good. However he didnt have any kit so we gave him some tools and bin bags.
We did find a couple of needles and the notorious human poo corner did not disappoint!
🌱 Devonport - 10 bags
El and Ash had to pop to Devonport after the Millbay pick and noticed a pile of grot as they pulled up. So they quickly grabbed some bags and cleared it up before heading for a bite to eat at Yings cafe. The food was delish and worth the visit if you are in the area.
23rd / 24th
🌱 Freedom Festival - This years festival was a scorcher and the weather brought out the crowds. Most people were great at utilising the bins with just the odd few leaving piles for grot.
Although they are long days events like this are vital to help raise funds for our ongoing work and we couldn’t do it without the support of the COP family. Massive thanks to Marti, Alfie, Sophia, Glenda, Sheila, Josh, Phil, Becky, Tom, Joe, Sam, Charlotte and the legend that is June for helping and supporting us this year.
Thanks also to the organisers and volunteers that make this festival possible it is an asset to the city….heres to next year!!
CleanupUK
Keep Britain Tidy
MVV Environment
Plymouth City Council
South Hams District Council
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