Finderne litter pick is part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean Scotland campaign

A call is going out for help to keep the local countryside beautiful.

The residents of Rafford, Burgie, Califer Hill, Logie, Dunphail and Edinkille are being invited to take part in the fifth annual Finderne Litter Pick, coinciding with Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Spring Clean Scotland.

Organiser and Rafford resident, Lisa Wolff, confirmed the Finderne litter picks started during lockdown when more people on its beautiful walks started noticing the litter problem.

Last year, 25 volunteers packed 56 black bin bags and 27 clear bin bags (for recyclable materials), also removing a variety of bulky items.

Lisa said: “Being part of a collective effort across Finderne is motivating and has more impact. It makes a huge difference to our walks and roadsides.

“There is a lot of littering and fly tipping in parts of the area. We see beer cans, wine bottles, fast food wrappers and vapes at the roadside. It comes down to laziness or wanting to hide unhealthy habits, especially around alcohol consumption.

“It’s mind-boggling that people don’t discard their refuse at home or at the Waterford Recycling Centre in Forres.”

Spring Clean Scotland is an annual campaign to encourage Scots to tackle litter. A total of 45,000 volunteers took part in last year’s event across all 32 local authorities.

With support from Finderne Development Trust and Moray Council, Lisa sets up local volunteers with bin bags, rubber gloves, grabbers and bag rings encouraging them to conduct the pick at the most convenient time for them. Moray Council collects the litter from designated locations.

Areas covered so far include the Divie Bridge and Logie to Dunphail and Half Davoch, to lower and upper Rafford and Califer Hill.

Lisa finished: “If you have ever seen litter on a favourite walk or picnic area in Finderne, please consider volunteering with us to keep our little gem beautiful!

“Every volunteer makes a difference, and taking part together is a great way to make a difference and connect with like-minded neighbours who care about our wildlife and planet.”

Email Lisa at beehomecottage@gmail.com or text her on 07981177625.