More traditional pursuits such as rock-climbing are also on offer

Outdoor fans will be able to try a little weaselling as a reward for their clean-up efforts in a national park.

The activity, described as a mix of outdoor caving with scrambling and climbing, is one of those on offer to volunteers who take part in the Peak District Pick and Play event.

The annual event, organised by outdoor activity provider Peak Mountaineering, will see members of the public help with a clean-up of the area in the morning, with a range of free activities in the afternoon.

Paul Lewis, one of the organisers, said: “The Peak District national park is the busiest in the UK and, although it’s a fantastic natural resource for millions of visitors, inevitably such large numbers also causes significant problems.

“Locals and visitors alike take great pride in keeping the area tidy, but if you look carefully along the base of gritstone crags, in stream beds, wooded areas and other nooks and crannies you’ll see plenty of accumulated litter.

“As a local outdoor business, Peak Mountaineering is desperately keen to preserve this wilderness and we are proud of our environmental credentials.

“But, of course, anyone passionate about the world’s resources can’t just sit still; it’s always a work in progress. For the past five years one of our initiatives has been a unique event combining our expertise as outdoor activity providers with cleaning up the park.

“If participants spare a few hours cleaning up the park, we’ll provide some free adventure activities for them to try.

“Last year alone we welcomed 65 people who collected 140kg of rubbish before enjoying afternoon climbing, abseiling, hillwalking and mountain biking sessions.”

The company works with Peak Park Conservation Volunteers and the Peak Park Ranger Service on the annual event, and members of the Association of Mountain Instructors provide their services free for the afternoon activities.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday 15 May between 10am and 4.30pm and is based at the Surprise View car park on the Hathersage to Sheffield road.

Among other activities on offer are bushcraft, a navigation workshop and a nature walk. Booking is necessary for the free event, and participants will need appropriate waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.

More details are on the Peak District Pick and Play website.