‘Pick and Play’ in the Peak District National Park

Members of the public are invited to help clean up the Peak District National Park in an annual litter picking event.

The sixth annual ‘Pick and Play’ will take place on Sunday 12 May, from the Surprise View car park (on the Sheffield to Hathersage road). Participants are encouraged to travel by bus or cycle, but free parking is also available. Registration starts at 9.15am, activities start at 10am and finish at 4pm. 

Litter-pickers are rewarded for their efforts on the day with outdoor activities such as climbing, abseiling, navigation training, a guided ranger walk, weaselling (a great children’s activity described as ‘above ground caving’) and a bushcraft session.

The family-friendly event is organised by Castleton-based outdoor activity company Peak Mountaineering, supported by Peak District National Park rangers, Peak Park Conservation Volunteers, and the National Trust.

Paul Lewis, who runs Peak Mountaineering, said: “It’s a unique event aimed to help alleviate the problems of litter and to educate people about the issue. The event has grown since we started it in 2014 and last year was the biggest yet – 140 people collected a massive 120kgs of rubbish in just a few hours – let’s see if we can beat that this year! We want as many people as possible to come and join in.” 

To join the fun you need to register on Peak Mountaineering’s website www.peakmountaineering.com and they will send you Joining Instructions.  

Dave Cramp, who coordinates the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers, said: “We work hard to keep the National Park tidy for visitors and safe for wildlife but it’s always welcome when people give a helping hand to clear up litter that others have left. Many items we collect are single-use plastics and wrappers – ideally we would like people to take their litter home with them.”

Litter collection equipment and all technical activity equipment will be provided and participants only need to bring suitable clothing and footwear plus a packed lunch. Water and free hot drinks will be available.

The event is suitable for all ages (under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 

It is completely FREE for participants thanks to the support of Peak District clothing brand and main sponsor Rab and other brands including Nikwax, Lowe Alpine, Osprey and Hydroflask which have provided products for a lunch time raffle.