As a National Park Authority Member I would like, on behalf of the Park, residents and those who work on the Moor; thank those who see this litter - usually after Public Holidays and Snow, and take the time and trouble to clear it away and then dispose of it correctly. Not an easy task as I also well know.
The following extract comes from the DNPA web site at:
http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/vi-caringfordartmoor/litter
Litter
The Recreation and Access Strategy identified the challenge to reduce the amount of recreational litter and fly-tipping, and reduce the associated costs to the National Park Authority. One of the key actions from the Recreation Strategy has been to develop a litter campaign, which is due to be launched in May 2013.
Some of the issues / challenges
Whilst the Authority does not have a direct legal responsibility to remove litter (we are not the litter/waste authority), our staff and volunteers do undertake litter picking of heavily used sites. This is done as part of our role in the management of visitors.
The current cost of disposing of litter collected is around £20,000 per annum. This cost does not include the staff cost in collecting litter, so the real cost to the Authority is much higher. All litter disposed of goes direct to landfill as it cannot be readily separated into recyclables.
Littering and fly-tipping is a year round problem within the National Park. During the spring and summer, with the increase in visitor numbers and better weather, there is an increase in litter resulting from from picnics, fast food outlets and BBQ’s. Bonfire fortnight brings its own litter problems during November, and then over the winter, any significant snow event also means more litter from discarded sledges and other debris.
The money the Authority currently spends disposing of litter could of course, be put to much better use. For example, £20,000 would enable us to replace an additional 100 kissing gates, or repair around 4,000 metres of worn out paths. Our Rangers and volunteers time spent clearing litter could also be used in a much more productive way.
Litter Campaign
The main theme of the litter campaign is “Love where you visit.” We have adapted the Keep Britain Tidy Love where you live campaign for urban areas and made it relevant to Dartmoor.
The key messages are:
- We want all visitors to help us by taking responsibility for their litter
- Litter should be taken home or disposed of responsibly
- Help to reduce the amount of waste which goes to landfill by recycling as much as possible
- Place disposable BBQ’s or camping stoves on a flat rock to prevent it burning the grass or other vegetation
Dogs
Through the Paws on Dartmoor campaign, dog owners are asked to be considerate to other users of Dartmoor and ensure that they clear up after their dog – especially if this happens on or near footpaths, car-parks and busy areas. Poo-bags can be disposed of in normal litter bins, in addition to dog waste bins.
Litter bins
Parish and district councils provide litter bins in villages and towns within the National Park and there are often recycling facilities in central car parks. The Authority has a long standing policy of not providing litter bins across the open areas of the National Park, or at Visitor Centres and car parks on the open moor. This is partly due to the cost of provision, but also because they would require regular emptying and can attract crows etc. Litter blowing around looks unsightly and presents a danger to wildlife and grazing livestock.
Fly-tipping
The National Park Authority is not responsible for the removal of fly-tipping. This ultimately becomes the responsibility of the landowner, but instances of fly-tipping should be reported directly to the relevant district council, giving the details of the location and of any vehicles involved:
- Teignbridge District Council - 0800 3286402
- West Devon Borough Council - 01822 813600
- South Hams District Council - 01803 861234
- Mid Devon District Council - 01884 255255
Litter campaign resources
Several resources have been produced to help promote the key messages:
- Large waterproof banners have been produced for our heavily used sites
- Branded panels for the outreach vehicle
- Posters are available for visitor centres
- Stickers and branded litter bags to encourage greater recycling
- Articles have been written for the press and magazines
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