Spring Clean of Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve, Cumbernauld

Some members of #TeamKSBScot and Cumbernauld Living Landscape were joined by members of the local community and elected members for a litter pick at Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve, Cumbernauld on 1 April as part of Spring Clean 2023.

The annual Spring Clean Scotland campaign, which runs until 17 April, has brought more than 20,000 people together to volunteer their time to tackle the litter emergency facing Scotland.

The Cumbernauld Living Landscape team works with the community to create positive change in local greenspace areas for people and nature.  Volunteers from the local housing area, and some from the local group Nature Ninjas worked together with Councillor Adam Smith (Ward 4 – Cumbernauld East) and Stuart McDonald, MP for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East, to remove 68 bags of litter from the reserve.

Alongside the usual littered items such as food and drink containers, dog foul and disposable vapes there were also some unusual finds along the way including Items included vhs tapes, a baby doll, part of a fitted kitchen, a rusty old shopping trolly and a clothes horse.

Laura Watson, our Campaigns Officer said: “We are currently facing a litter emergency in Scotland. By taking small steps and playing our part we can bring the change we want to see.

“Our research shows the decline in local environmental quality across Scotland is a significant public concern and we all have a responsibility to tackle this issue.

“I would like to thank everyone who joined in with this clean up, particularly the Nature Ninja’s who have picked a total of 133 bags of litter so far this Spring Clean and have more events planned. “They, and hundreds of others across Scotland have volunteered to keep Scotland beautiful as part of our Spring Clean Scotland campaign, but with two weeks to go I would encourage everyone to get involved and make a difference.”

Project Manager of Cumbernauld Living Landscape, Tracy Lambert, said “I would like to express a big thank you to everyone for coming out on the day. Seeing the reserve clear of litter is a wonderful example of what people can do to take action for the environment. Litter affects us every day: our experiences of walking through a park or reserve can be tainted, seeing litter strewn around without a care. It can also be dangerous for our wildlife.  Good quality greenspaces are beneficial for us all on many levels and by taking litter home or placing it in a bin, we can all make a difference for people and wildlife. The event was also a great example of what can be achieved with partnership working, so well done to the Living Landscape Project Officer, Aimee, and Keep Scotland Beautiful’ s Campaigns Officer, Laura, for putting together a great event.”

One local family who live right beside Seafar Wood said, “We enjoyed the fresh air, cleaning up and helping the deer and the animals we can see from our back window. A great result today with all the litter removed.”

Councillor Adam Smith, who attended the litter pick, commented, "I'm tremendously proud to represent the Cumbernauld East ward, including Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve, Forest Wood Wildlife Reserve, Cumbernauld Glen Wildlife Reserve, Cumbernauld House Park, Palacerigg Country Park, and Fannyside Muir. Everyone has an invaluable role in helping to keep these areas in good condition but it's desperately sad that some don't respect our town and our greenspaces in the way they deserve. 

"We can all make a difference in keeping Cumbernauld clean and tidy by putting our rubbish in a bin or taking it home with us, and by picking up any litter we see wherever we are able to do so. I thank Cumbernauld Living Landscape for organising today's event and to all the volunteers who came along and helped collect a phenomenal 68 bags of litter from Seafar Wood, although such an effort should never be needed."

Visit Spring Clean 2023 | Keep Scotland Beautiful for more information to get involved.

*Image ©Cumbernauld Living Landscape