Worcester's Warndon Wombles doing their bit by litter picking

The aptly named Warndon Wombles, a litter-picking group which takes its name from the popular 1970s children’s television show, aims to tidy up Warndon Villages while allowing local residents to meet up for some gentle exercise.

Organiser Sarah Murray explained that she wanted to create a group that provides an opportunity for residents to get to know each other out in the fresh air, whilst improving their local environment.

“We meet approximately once a month and pick up litter in the WR4 area, wherever we have noticed somewhere needing a bit of loving care” she said.

Established in May of this year with just three members, the group has grown its Facebook following tenfold over the last four months. “We see new faces every time we meet to pick up litter and that’s lovely,” Sarah said. “The Warndon Wombles helps improve members’ personal health and wellbeing by providing some much-needed physical activity and an opportunity to meet up and chat for people who might feel isolated, particularly after the pandemic.

“We are a friendly group, and everyone is welcome, including children, provided they are accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult.”

Four people took just 40 minutes to collect this rubbish on a short stretch of Tolladine Road near Shap Drive

Warndon Wombles have cleared plenty of rubbish so far. “Anything we can’t take; we photograph and report to Worcester City Council,” said Sarah.

“Most of the time, they are good at responding by clearing up the areas we have reported, though sadly that is not always the case.”

Sarah believes that litter breeds litter: “What sort of precedent are we setting for future generations if we don’t lead by example and show them that we care?

“Our youngest member, Jack, aged five, has a message to all the people who drop litter. He has posters in his bedroom window pleading with passers-by to, “Keep Britain Clean” and we could all take a leaf out of his book.”

Anyone wanting to get involved with the Warndon Wombles can join their Facebook group where planning for their October litter pick is already under way.