News / Ashton Court Estate
Riders assemble for Ashton Court spring clean
Bristol is a city where an enthusiasm for the great outdoors flourishes in a variety of different ways.
Locals with a passion for either the natural world or the more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits are being invited to combine these interests in a unique day of environmental action.
The event involves ‘bikes, trash busting and protecting the city’s green spaces.’
is needed now More than ever
Its the second Bristol trails spring clean undertaken by Trash Free Trails, who estimate 9 million pieces of single use plastic can be found on UK public rights of way – photo: Sam Dugon
The activity has been pulled together by Trash Free Trails, a community not-for-profit organisation on a mission to (re)connect people with nature.
They’re joining forces with Trek Bicycle to encourage Bristol riders to get on their bikes and out into the woods of Ashton Court for an Earth Day Spring Clean on Sunday, April 21.
Ashton Court Estate incorporates 850 acres of woodland and a 600 year old deer park surrounding its historic mansion.
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Bristol for our Earth Day Spring Clean after the success of our 2022 clean up in Ashton Court,” said Trash Free Trails CEO Dom Ferris.
“It’s even better to be back and celebrating the incredible support Trek have provided us with over the last five years.”
Riders will gather at the Trek Store on Queens Avenue near Whiteladies Road and cycle together to Ashton Court where they’ll take part in a litter pick around the woodland trails and undertake a ‘trash survey’.
Acting as citizen scientists, the riders will count, sort and record the litter they’ve found. The data will be fed into Trash Free Trails’ study on the state of pollution of recreational trails, contributing to the State of Our Trails report.
The annual study, most recently released in November 2023, estimates that over 9 million pieces of single-use plastic can be found on public rights of way in the UK.
Trash Free Trails hope the ‘simple yet meaningful’ act of removing single-use pollution will help people to engage with the natural world around them. There will also be rewards and prizes on offer for participants.
Sign up to take part in the spring clean at www.trashfreetrails.org/event-details/flagship-earth-day-spring-clean-bristol-city
Main photo: Sam Dugon
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