A CONSERVATION charity is launching The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick.

The Friends of the Lake District initiative has been designed to bring communities together to clean up the county on one day - Friday July 6.

Ruth Kirk, Landscape Engagement Officer for Friends of the Lake District said: “Not a day goes by currently, without more news about the global, harmful effects of plastics and other discarded materials on our environment.

“Litter not only spoils how our beautiful Cumbrian landscapes look, it also creates toxins and pollutants that are harmful to the land, and the wildlife and livestock that live here.

“Unfortunately it’s a really sad fact that we see litter everywhere we go now and so we thought hosting The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick would be an ideal opportunity to get together and make a start for a cleaner Cumbria. Through small, individual actions, we can effect real change. Let’s make this a really high profile and well-supported day and show the rest of the UK how proud we are of our county. ”

The charity is hoping that thousands of people of all ages and all communities will rise to the challenge and show their support, getting involved either as a group, organising a community litter pick in their area or as an individual, signing up to join and organised event.

A competition will be held to find out which district can host the most litter picks.

A website provides downloadable resources including a guide: “Helpful hints for organising your Great Cumbrian Litter Pick event”, posters, logos, banners and volunteer information sheets.

Visit The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick website – www.thegreatcumbrianlitterpick.org.uk – to sign up to the initiative or to find out more, or contact ruth-kirk@fld.org.uk 01539 720788.