Schools across Wiltshire are being urged to take part in the Great British Spring Clean 2026, a nationwide campaign that invites local communities to help tackle litter and protect the environment.
Running across the UK from 13–29 March 2026, the Great British Spring Clean is the country’s biggest mass litter-picking movement. Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, the initiative asks families, schools and community groups to pledge time to clean up parks, pavements, play areas and green spaces.
Wiltshire Council backing local volunteers
To support residents taking part in the national campaign, Wiltshire Council and idverde are offering litter-picking equipment, advice and waste collection for organised events.
Last year in Wiltshire alone, more than 150 community litter picks took place, collecting over 9,800kg of rubbish, including contributions from pupils at more than 50 schools.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, said, “I’m hugely grateful to the many volunteers, schools, and community groups who already give their time to litter picking. This year, we want to go even further. By joining the campaign and becoming a #LitterHero, you’ll be helping to keep Wiltshire clean and green for everyone.”
Great Big School Clean returns for Wiltshire pupils
Schools are once again invited to join the Great Big School Clean, giving children the chance to take part in a national movement while improving the areas around their school gates.
Wiltshire Council can loan child-sized litter pickers, gloves and hi-vis vests to help pupils take part safely.
In addition to supporting the national campaign, Wiltshire Council is encouraging schools to connect their litter-picking activities with the county’s new Biodiversity Champions initiative.
The programme helps schools create wildlife-friendly spaces and inspires pupils to become environmental caretakers.
Suggested ideas include:
• Combining a litter pick with planting wildflowers.
• Building bug or bee hotels.
• Creating bird habitats or hedgehog-friendly corners.
Details on how schools can sign up for Biodiversity Champions will be shared directly with Wiltshire settings.
How to join the campaign in Wiltshire
Schools and community groups wishing to borrow equipment or arrange waste collection should email email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Wiltshire Council can also collect waste from larger events that generate more than 10 bags.
Families can find out more about the nationwide Great British Spring Clean at the Keep Britain Tidy website, and learn about Wiltshire Council’s wider Don’t Mess With Wiltshire campaign online.
