Wiltshire Council encourages residents to join the Great British Spring Clean 2026

Wiltshire Council and idverde are calling on residents, schools, and community groups to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean, a national campaign to help keep Wiltshire clean and green, running from 13 to 29 March 2026.

The Great British Spring Clean, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is the UK’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign. It encourages people to pledge to pick up litter and make a positive difference in their local area.

The council can support local communities to set up their own litter pick events, with equipment available to be loaned to town and parish councils and local community groups across the county. Last year, as part of the council’s Don’t Mess with Wiltshire campaign, more than 150 litter-picking events took place across the county, with community groups collecting over 9,800kg of litter.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, said: “Keeping Wiltshire clean is something we can all take pride in. Litter not only spoils the beauty of our towns and countryside, but it also poses risks to wildlife and the environment. The Great British Spring Clean is a brilliant chance for everyone to play their part in protecting the places we love.

“I’m hugely grateful to the many volunteers, schools, and community groups who already give their time to litter picking – your efforts make a real difference. Each year, the council spends more than £2 million clearing litter, but we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re asking our communities to get involved.

“This year, we want to go even further. We’ll provide equipment and collect the bagged waste, so it’s easy to get involved. If you can spare a little time to join the campaign and become a #LitterHero, you’ll be helping to keep Wiltshire clean and green for everyone.”

Schools can also take part by signing up to the Great Big School Clean, with pupils helping to tidy their local area. Last year, more than 50 Wiltshire schools took part, and participating schools received litter pick kits containing children’s litter pickers, hi-vis vests, and gloves.

This year, schools are encouraged to link their litter-picking activities with the new Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative, which helps them to create nature-rich spaces and inspire pupils to become environmental stewards. By combining litter picks with biodiversity actions, such as building bug hotels, planting wildflowers, or creating bird habitats, schools can make an even bigger impact on Wiltshire’s natural environment. More details will be sent to schools soon on how to sign up and take part in the Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative.

Groups and schools can join the Great British Spring Clean and request equipment or litter collection by contacting the Community Engagement Manager at wiltshirehelpdesk@idverde.co.uk.

Where possible, volunteers should dispose of bagged waste in their usual household black bins or a public litter bin that has sufficient capacity. For larger events that could collect more than 10 bags black bags full of waste, the council can arrange single collection following the event.  

People can find out more about the Great British Spring Clean at www.keepbritaintidy.org. To find out more about the Don't Mess with Wiltshire campaign, people can go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/litter.