Hi Everybody
Volunteer helpers are requested for a litter clean up at Wintour's Leap on Sunday March 1, which I’m organising together with Kevin Caster from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. We last did this three years ago, and since then the London Mountaineering Club have carried out a very commendable impromptu clean-up, but sadly the fly-tipping detritus and other litter has accumulated again, particularly in the vicinity of the Easy Way Down and the foot of the South Bay. In addition, depending on the amount of muscle available on the day, there’s lots of old scrap metal lurking in the undergrowth below the crag – if we can shift it, the place will be better for it.
I’ll be bringing an abseil rope to clean the ledges near the Easy Way Down, and if anyone else has the gear and is comfortable doing cleaning operations on an ab rope there’ll be room for one or two more, but the bulk of stuff is accessible on foot so no specialist equipment is needed, with the exception of a good pair of tough gloves – a lot of the rubbish is sharp, jagged bits of metal or broken glass, and some of it will also be stuck in brambles. We will provide bags.
I suggest gathering at the parking spot on Lancaut Lane around 9.30-9.45, and we’ll then move on to the Easy Way Down area – if you turn up a bit late, just head to the top of the Easy Way Down and you’re sure to find someone. This should give enough time to finish the job by early afternoon so people can get a route done in the afternoon sun... If you are thinking of coming, could you let me know either on this thread or by email – it’s just so I can get an idea of numbers – extra volunteers will always be welcome on the day. It will also help me plan sustenance and refreshments!
Thanks for your help – the efforts climbers have made over the years in removing litter and fly-tipping waste have really made a difference to the place and to our public image.
Cheers
Rick Sewards
BMC Wye Valley Access Rep
