Volunteers across Clifton are being praised after helping to make their community cleaner than ever, collecting a remarkable 1,844 bags of litter during 2025, a significant increase on the 1,633 bags collected in 2024.
The achievement comes from the dedicated efforts of the Nottingham Clean Champions – Clifton East & West, part of a citywide volunteering programme managed by Nottingham City Council. The scheme provides volunteers with free equipment, litter bags and essential health and safety guidance, enabling residents to take practical action in caring for their local environment.
The Clifton East and West group is made up of two teams. The Wilford team focuses on Wilford and Wilford Village, while the wider Clifton East & West team covers main Clifton and surrounding areas including Silverdale, The Grove community, River Trent paths and fishing pegs, The Grove woodlands, Clifton Village, Barton Green, Nobel Road Community and Lark Hill Retirement Village.
Volunteers include local councillors, staff from Nottingham Trent University Clifton Estate Operations, members of Trent Valley Angling and Clifton Grove Angling Clubs, Lark Hill Seniors, local schools and many residents who carry out litter-picking independently in their own time.
The success of the initiative has also been strengthened by the support of local businesses and organisations. Partners including A453 KFC, McDonald’s, Tesco Express, The Crusader Pub in Clifton, Holy Trinity Church, Clifton Leisure Centre and Brooks Bros in Lenton. Some provide refreshments, treats or welcoming spaces for volunteers to gather after monthly clean-up events.
These social get-togethers have become an important part of the programme, offering volunteers a chance to relax, connect with like-minded people and celebrate their shared efforts. Organisers say the activity not only improves the local environment but also benefits volunteers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
The programme is coordinated locally by Alma Davies, Volunteer Coordinator for Nottingham Clean Champions – Clifton East & West and a Keep Britain Tidy #LitterHeroes Ambassador, who praised the ‘totally amazing collaborative effort’ that continues to make a visible difference across the area.
Residents interested in joining the initiative can register online to receive a free kit pack, including a hi-vis vest, gloves, litter picker and bags, via the Nottingham City Council website: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/cleanchampions. For further information, Alma Davies can be contacted directly at [email protected] or on 07764 442835.