Litter Pick for North Devon Cleanse & Clean Campaign

Braunton Academy’s Eco‑Guerillas took to the outdoors on Wednesday 28 January 2026 for an afternoon of community action, joining Earth Action North Devon’s Cleanse and Clean campaign with a dedicated litter pick around the village. The initiative formed part of the wider Day of Action 2026, a regional effort encouraging schools, groups, and residents to take practical steps toward a cleaner, healthier environment.

 A community effort with real impact

The Eco‑Guerillas set off from the Academy and made their way along the Tarka Trail, a route well loved by walkers and cyclists but often affected by wind‑blown litter and discarded waste. Equipped with gloves, bags, and litter pickers, students worked to collect as much rubbish as possible, focusing on areas where debris tends to accumulate.

Their route continued back toward school via the pump track, another popular community space where litter can quickly build up. By the time they returned, students had gathered a significant amount of waste—everything from food wrappers and plastic bottles to larger items left behind or washed in by recent weather.

 
Why this matters

The litter pick wasn’t just about tidying up. It was an opportunity for students to:

• Take direct environmental action and see the immediate impact of their efforts.
• Learn about local ecosystems, including how litter affects wildlife along the Tarka Trail.
• Support a regional campaign that highlights the importance of community responsibility.
• Model positive behaviour for peers and residents, showing that small actions add up.
• Earth Action North Devon’s Cleanse and Clean campaign encourages exactly this kind of hands‑on involvement, and Braunton Academy is proud to contribute to the movement.

 
Building a culture of stewardship

The Eco‑Guerillas continue to grow as a force for sustainability within the Academy. Activities like this litter pick help build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of ownership over the local environment. They also spark conversations about reducing waste, rethinking habits, and protecting the natural spaces that make North Devon special.