VOLUNTEERS in Herefordshire are gearing up to do their bit in tackling the world's growing plastic pollution problem.

To mark the national event Keep Britain Tidy on home soil, Hereford Community Clean Up Group wanted to do something big to battle the devastating effect that litter has on wildlife.

"We wanted to do something big, something to bring communities together and to get the public involved," said a group spokesperson.

"Eighty per cent of the harmful litter in the oceans comes from the land, swept downstream by streams, rivers and wind.

"So we have decided to clean as much of the River Wye as possible."

A specially constructed barge, created out of dozens of recycled plastic bottles by the team at Horizon Training on Foley Trading estate will be used to collect the litter, whilst a bevy of rafters, canoeists, coracles and boats will lead a team of volunteers from various Herefordshire groups in cleaning the water.

The river banks will be open to volunteer members of the public, who will be joined by the RSPCA.

Anyone wishing to take part in the April 7 Great River Wye Spring Clean, can join the first phase of the effort at Hunderton Footbridge at 9.30am, or the second phase from the Victoria Footbridge to the Greenway bridge at 12.30pm.

"This fun, family event is all about bringing the community together to clean up our precious river, raise awareness of the litter issue in Hereford and bring about positive behaviour change.

"If we all do a little bit, the river, county, sea and wider environment will be a much cleaner, safer place for all our wildlife and for us to enjoy."

The event is open to everyone. All equipment and free hot drinks and food will be provided.

Volunteers are advised that all children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.

For more information, visit

Hereford Community Clean Up on Facebook

or contact hccug1@gmail.com