Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's community and civic pride campaign, has announced the return of the region's largest volunteer clean-up campaign, Big Spring Clean, which saw over 38,000 volunteers take part in diverse clean-up activities in 2023.

The initiative, now in its 15th year, is running until April 30th and aims to encourage individuals, schools, community groups, and businesses across Northern Ireland to make a positive impact on the environment through hosting and taking part in organised clean-up events.

As part of Big Spring Clean, Live Here Love Here have 18 clean-up events lined up in partnership with 9 local council areas which will be carried out in places such as Londonderry Park on March 23rd, Dromore Town Centre on March 24th, Rathfriland Community Centre on April 6th and Belfast City Hall on April 22nd. These community events not only aim to raise awareness around the detrimental impact of discarded rubbish on the environment but also highlight the importance of transforming neglected areas and blighted landscapes on community well-being.

Understanding the importance of the Big Spring Clean campaign in recognising and supporting grassroot environmental efforts, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "I am very proud that my Department supports the BIG Spring Clean which is Northern Ireland's largest volunteer clean-up campaign and provides an opportunity for everyone to join in and work collaboratively to make a real difference in their local community. Each of us has a responsibility to care for and protect our precious environment and I thank all our volunteers who make this event such a success and inspire us all to get involved and improve and protect our environment."

Litter remains a persistent issue in Northern Ireland. Following surveys of 1,092 rural and urban roads across all local-council areas between November 2022 and February 2023, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful revealed in its Litter Composition Analysis Report that there are almost 12,000,000 items of litter polluting Northern Ireland at all times.

Big Spring Clean provides an opportunity for participants to make a tangible difference in their neighbourhoods, with the clean-up events serving as rallying points for community members to come together as Live Here Love Here Manager, Lynda Surgenor points out. She said, "We are delighted to announce the return of Big Spring Clean. This initiative continues to engage thousands of volunteers every year, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for environmental action and community engagement and this year, we hope to encourage even more people to get involved. Beyond the lasting impact of a tidier environment, the benefits of volunteering and lending a helping hand are manifold – from the positive impact it can have on people's mental health to strengthening community bonds and meeting new people. This campaign is all about fostering a sense of community pride while tackling environmental challenges head-on and everyone is welcome to participate. Whether you're organising your own clean-up or are a first-time volunteer, your contribution matters in making Northern Ireland's outdoors cleaner and greener."

Beyond Big Spring Clean, volunteers interested in taking part in regular clean up events can participate in the Adopt a Spot programme, which includes free litter picking equipment. Find out more about the Adopt A Spot programme by visiting the Live Here Love Here website.

Lynda also shares her advice for people getting involved in litter picks. She said: "It's important to always think about safety. This includes using the appropriate tools such as litter-pickers to protect your hands from germs and other hazards. If you spot anything unusual or dangerous do not touch it but instead get in contact with your local council. We advise litter pickers wear appropriate clothing and footwear and stick together in teams for added safety. We also recommend keeping an eye on the weather and tides. Be sure to visit our Live Here Love Here website for more guidance on how to execute a safe and successful clean-up. Now, let's get out there and have fun, whilst doing our bit to protect the natural beauty of our great outdoors."

For more information and event details please visit liveherelovehere.org/bigspringclean