A previous clean-up produced 16 bags of litter from the mountain
A television crew will film an upcoming effort to clear England’s highest mountain of rubbish, as part of a series on countrywide littering.
The news comes in the wake of the discovery of a small mountain of rubbish by a mountain rescue leader on Harter Fell in Eskdale at the weekend.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team’s leader found the abandoned camp, including empty beer cans, sleep mats and wellington boots after a member of the public reported seeing flashing lights on the fell.
Grough’s story on the grim discovery prompted Lake District national park ranger Rec Cathey to contact us to remind mountain lovers that a litter pick will take place on Scafell Pike this Sunday.
She said: “Three Peaks traffic is really heavy at this time of year and, unfortunately, the aftermath of a busy weekend is often a mountain strewn with banana skins, water bottles and energy-gel wrappers.
Scafell Pike, scene of the litter blitz
“This is the third event of its kind that we’re holding this season. The last event yielded 16 black bin bags full of rubbish. The BBC Inside Out team will be filming on the day as part of a wider series of programmes on countrywide littering.”
The clean-up is being organised by the national park authority, National Trust and Lakeland Mountain Guides, and members of the public are being urged to do their bit to join the effort and help clear the mountain of detritus.
Ms Cathey said: “We already have a great, confirmed attendance of about 25 local mountain guides thanks to Matt le Voi of Lakeland Mountain Guides and the support he’s shown to the event but, the more the merrier in terms of dropping over to Wasdale to help out on the day.”
The litter-busters will gather at the Lake Head car park at Brackenclose, Wasdale Head, at 9am on Sunday 2 August, grid reference NY 182 075. Anyone joining the group will need to take a packed lunch and wear mountain-appropriate clothing and footwear.
Further details are available by emailing Ms Cathey or ringing her on 07990 603830.
