RESIDENTS, schools and community groups are being rallied ahead of the Great British Spring Clean 2026.

Wiltshire Council and idverde are promoting the national campaign, running from March 13 to 29, to help keep the county clean and green.

Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, the Great British Spring Clean is the UK’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign, encouraging people to pick up litter and make a positive difference in their area.

The council can support communities to set up their own litter pick events, with equipment available to be loaned to town and parish councils and groups.

Last year, as part of the council’s Don’t Mess with Wiltshire campaign, more than 150 litter-picking events took place with community groups collecting more than 9,800kg of litter.

Cabinet member for highways and street scene Cllr Martin Smith said: “Keeping Wiltshire clean is something we can all take pride in.

“Litter not only spoils the beauty of our towns and countryside, but it also poses risks to wildlife and the environment.

“The Great British Spring Clean is a brilliant chance for everyone to play their part in protecting the places we love.

“Each year, the council spends more than £2 million clearing litter, but we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re asking our communities to get involved.

“This year, we want to go even further. We’ll provide equipment and collect the bagged waste, so it’s easy to get involved.

“If you can spare a little time to join the campaign and become a #LitterHero, you’ll be helping to keep Wiltshire clean and green for everyone.”

Schools can take part by signing up to the Great Big School Clean with pupils helping to tidy their area.

Last year, more than 50 Wiltshire schools took part, receiving special kits containing children’s litter pickers, hi-vis vests and gloves.

This year, schools are encouraged to link their litter-picking activities with the new Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative, which helps them to create nature-rich spaces and inspire pupils to become environmental stewards.

By combining litter picks with biodiversity actions, such as building bug hotels, planting wildflowers or creating bird habitats, schools can make an even bigger impact on Wiltshire’s natural environment.

Groups and schools can join in and request equipment or litter collection by contacting the community engagement manager via wiltshirehelpdesk@idverde.co.uk

Where possible, volunteers should dispose of bagged waste in their usual household black bins or a public litter bin that has sufficient capacity.

For larger events that could collect more than ten black bags full of waste, the council can arrange single collection following the event.

To find out more about the Don’t Mess with Wiltshire campaign, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/litter