The most recent Envirotrek in the UK took place in Snowdonia. Photo: Dan Lane

A group that organises mountain clean-ups each year across Europe has announced it will fold in the autumn.

Respect the Mountains said the failure to secure a European Union grant meant it would have to cease operations.

The organisation is behind the popular Envirotrek series of clean-up and activity events in the UK, the most recent of which took place in Snowdonia last month.

Respect the Mountains director Aukje van Gerven said: “At the end of 2014, when resources were already beyond stretched, the organisation invested hundreds of volunteer hours into the application of a three-year European Union subsidy.

“To remain in operation during these past months has been hugely challenging and on hearing that the organisation was unsuccessful in winning this grant, the board of directors decided that as of 1 September, active operations are no longer sustainable and the only way to fulfil our commitment and integrity to our partners, freelancers, volunteers and community is to cease operations in our current form.

“Our Envirotrek Series 2015 will continue as planned and we are determined to make it our best season ever.

“We have acted in the best interest of the mountains true to our mission, and we still strongly believe in this work.”

The Amsterdam-based organisation said any other group interested in carrying on its work is welcome to get in touch. Mr van Gerven said: “We welcome other organisations that feel that Respect the Mountains would fit under their activities, to talk to us about continuing Respect the Mountains in a different shape or form.”

Anyone interested should email Mr van Gerven. mailto:aukje@respectthemountains.com

Footwear brand Keen and outdoor clothing company Bergans of Norway were among sponsors of the Envirotrek series.