In a short six years, Trash Free Trails (TFT) have transformed from a one-person operation into an internationally renowned not-for-profit advocating for trails and the communities that rely on them. Today, they are releasing their first-ever ‘Lifetime Impact Report’, sharing a collation of their volunteers’ achievements so far, and – most importantly – what’s coming next. TFT have been working to change the state of recreational trails since 2019.
Founded by Dom Ferris, the not-for-profit works to encourage and empower volunteer litter pickers across mountain biking, trail running and hiking. Their mission, ‘to (re)connect people with nature’ embodies a refreshing approach to the problem of litter on our trails, arguing for more positivity and engagement from the brands and businesses who produce the items that eventually end up littered across our woodlands, mountains and National Parks.
The release of their Lifetime Impact Report is a landmark moment, as volunteers collectively have removed and recorded over half a million items of rubbish, leaving over 15,000km of trails trash free. TFT volunteers are not only encouraged to connect with nature and give back through trail cleaning – they are upskilled as ‘citizen scientists’, contributing invaluable data on the make up of litter polluting trails, contributing to Trash Free Trails’ world-leading study on its impacts, the State of Our Trails Research Programme. Through their research, TFT translates the hands-on work of volunteers into public-facing studies, reports and insights that contribute to policy enhancement both nationally and internationally.
“This is a momentous occasion for us,” shares Dom Ferris, the founder and CEO. “Not only is creating a Lifetime Impact Report a significant undertaking, it’s also our way of piecing together a multi-year story about our volunteers, and the impact of our work upon them, their trails, and their wider communities.”
The Lifetime Impact Report captures not only volunteer achievements, but a series of Case Studies involving ambassadors, ‘Community Hubs’, corporate partners and more, highlighting the long-term ambitions and achievements of Trash Free Trails.
“We don’t want to get caught on the hamster wheel of litter picking,” continues Dom. “As powerful as it can be as an act of environmental care, to truly achieve Trash Free Trails, we need to share the work of our volunteers, the data they collect, with government and policy makers, advocating for more outdoor education, access to nature, and an end to our reliance on single-use products.”
With 81% of the items recorded by volunteers being identified as single-use, Trash Free Trails are calling for a change of terminology – from ‘litter’ to ‘single-use pollution – this being vital for not only accuracy, but for increasing public engagement and understanding of the issue. ‘As we look ahead to the next 5 years, we want to see a narrative change on the ‘litter issue. To truly end this problem, we need to shift the story from blaming the individual litterer, to one that centres collaborative solutions, and the power of our collective care for these places. What could be more powerful than that?’
Some key findings from the report are below:
- Over 500,000 items of rubbish removed from trails across the UK and beyond, achieved by only 7,500 volunteers in only 6 years
- TFT volunteers have cleaned over 15,000km of trails, contributing invaluable data to a world-leading citizen science-led study on the impacts of litter on trails
- 81% of items found were recorded classed as single-use
- Through their education work TFT have enabled almost 3,000 young people to experience outdoor activity and education
Trash Free Trails are setting their sights on an ambitious first decade, continuing to inspire volunteers across the world to remove pollution, while championing national and global policies such as the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, and the UN Global Plastics Treaty.
To find out more, head to their website: https://www.trashfreetrails.org/
