Litterfree Sowerby Bridge: A Community Making a Difference
Litterfree Sowerby Bridge (LFSB) is a group of dedicated residents determined to keep their streets clean and inspire others to care for their local environment. With a clear vision of a cleaner, more engaged community, their motto says it all: Pick up Litter, Protect Nature, Educate Children, Inspire Others.
The Story Behind Litterfree Sowerby Bridge
Litterfree Sowerby Bridge has been a staple of the local community for years, with over 40 active volunteers working tirelessly to keep the town’s streets free of litter. The group runs organised litter picks twice a month, and its members are mostly women and adults over the age of 55 - the eldest being 72!
Their goal is simple yet powerful: to get more residents involved in organised litter picks and appoint a “Litter-picking Champion” for every street in Sowerby Bridge.
This initiative aims to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to take an active role in improving their surroundings, promoting environmental stewardship, physical activity, and community spirit.
Expanding Their Reach
In October 2023, Frank Page from LFSB attended the Active Sowerby & Sowerby Bridge meeting and met Active Calderdale's Community Project Manager, Emma. Frank’s passion for the group’s work was clear, and it was apparent that a little extra support could go a long way in helping them achieve their goals. With Emma’s assistance, an investment proposal was put together to help LFSB expand their mission of appointing a Litter-picking Champion for every street.
The Impact So Far
On Sunday, September 15th, LFSB held its annual Big Pick event, with an impressive turnout. To get even more people involved in litter picking and getting active outdoors, LFSB collaborated with another local group, Sowerby Walkers & Ramblers. This event and regular monthly picks have led to a significant increase in the amount of litter collected each week.
LFSB’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In July 2024, the group was nominated for BBC Leeds’ Make a Difference Green Award, receiving a well-deserved ‘Highly Commended’ recognition for their contribution to the community.
New Faces and Growing Success
The group continues to grow, with new volunteers joining regularly, including helpers from Ken and Suma Wholefoods Cooperative, along with community members like Laura, Teddy, Otto, Chelsea, Scarlett, and Pippa.
Laura, a new volunteer, shared:
“This is such a worthwhile thing to do, especially for parents and carers with young kids. It sets a great example to others and gets us all out on a Sunday morning, doing exercise with the added benefit of keeping Sowerby Bridge clean and beautiful.”
Another new volunteer, Sam, expressed:
"It's great to be part of such a wonderful community organisation. Litter picking is an invaluable help to our community, and it's a great opportunity for me to get out in the fresh air with Mira to do something physically and mentally active."
Kath Parker, in her 70s, shared her love for the group, saying:
“I really look forward to my picks with LitterfreeSB. I get to meet my good friends regularly, and it keeps me physically and mentally active.”
Their most recent Saturday pick even saw the addition of three new volunteers, with a combined age of over 190 years - proving that age is no barrier to making a difference!
A Bright Future Ahead
Since receiving investment from Active Calderdale, LFSB has distributed over £400 worth of litter-picking equipment to new Litter-picking Champions. This support has also allowed them to promote their activities to a broader audience, resulting in a significant increase in litter collection, and more people being active while doing so. The investment also helped to advertise their key annual event, the Big Pick, which this year saw over 50 volunteers getting involved, drawing in fresh interest and enthusiasm from the community.
What’s Next?
Litterfree Sowerby Bridge's mission to appoint a Litter-picking Champion for every street in the area is gaining momentum. They now provide equipment to dozens of passionate individuals who regularly carry out ‘guerilla’ litter picks in their neighbourhoods, making Sowerby Bridge a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming place for everyone.
As the group continues to grow and inspire others, LFSB is proof that a small group of committed people can make a huge difference in their community—one piece of litter at a time.
If you'd like to join this fantastic initiative or become a Litter-picking Champion for your street, get in touch with Litterfree Sowerby Bridge at litterfreesb@gmail.com. Together, we can keep Sowerby Bridge clean and beautiful!
