THE Big Taunton Litter Pick is returning for a second year, and this time its going big.

Organised by Somerset Wildlife Trust, the litter pick is going from being just one day to an entire week running from September 23 to 29.

Somerset Wildlife Trust say the ambition remains the same; to work together with local businesses, community groups, schools and residents to get out and clean up the town for the benefit of everyone.

“It’s taking a positive step towards ensuring our wonderful green spaces and waterways are beautiful and healthy places for all our urban population, both people and wildlife,” says Somerset Wildlife Trust community engagement officer Olivia Dullaghan.

“Last year’s event was amazing. We had no idea that so many community groups, schools, businesses and the public would feel so passionately about taking charge of the town’s litter problem.

“The negative impact of litter on the quality of our streams, rivers and green spaces and on our urban wildlife is huge.

“The litter in our rivers and canals will often reach our beaches so what we do in our town has a real impact on our ability to support wider efforts to reduce marine plastics on a broader scale.”

“Increasing it to a week this year therefore means that there should be more events, more people involved and crucially more litter picked up and recycled.”

In total, more than 300 people took part last year and around 60 bags of rubbish were collected.

Channel Adventure and a group of volunteers from Viridor are helping to support this event once again this year by taking to the water in canoes and kayaks to clear a stretch of the River Tone.

To find a litter pick near you visit: somersetwildlife.org/bigtauntonlitterpick2019.

To find out how to get involved olivia.dullaghan@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652407.