Thanks to Chairman of the IW Branch of Campaign to Protect Rural England, John Langley, for this great news. Ed
The new CPRE President Sir Andrew Motion has presented a local campaigner with the 2012 national Marsh Award for a Beautiful and Litter-free Countryside.
In a presentation that took place in London at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) 2012 annual general meeting, the former Poet Laureate and new CPRE President Sir Andrew Motion honoured Isle of Wight litter campaigner, Patricia Almond, with the Marsh Christian Trust Award for a Beautiful and Litter-free Countryside, along with a cheque for £500.
Stop the Drop campaign
Patricia Almond first joined CPRE just over a year ago after hearing about CPRE’s former President Bill Bryson’s involvement in the charity’s Stop the Drop campaign. She immediately got involved with the local branch, taking over their ad-hoc litter campaign and properly organising it. Her main project has been to support and coordinate litter picks and present awards on behalf of the IOW branch of CPRE, to groups who have helped clear up litter on the Isle of Wight.
Patricia has now gone a step further by producing litter-pickers’ kit bags that contain such things as grabbers, bag hoops, gloves, tabards, etc; enough equipment for a team of 10 people to help clear litter.
Recycled sailcloth banners
To do this Patricia recycled old Skandia Cowes Week sailcloth banners and turned them into practical tie top sacks to keep the equipment together. There are now half a dozen kits placed around the island under the care of willing volunteers, ready for instant use.
Protecting countryside no easy task
On presenting the award, Sir Andrew Motion said: “We are fortunate to enjoy a unique and precious landscape that has been formed over thousands of years. There is something primitive about our connection with the countryside and it continues to change and evolve, which is a good thing if managed in a sustainable way.
However, the quality of our countryside is no accident, and maintaining and protecting it no easy task.
“It takes dedicated people like Patricia to care and look after it. The work she does is not glamorous or high-profile and the results are all too often taken for granted. That’s why I am proud to present this award and recognise this fantastic contribution.”
Tourist Island
The Isle of Wight has a heavy reliance on tourism income and this means that it has to ensure that the countryside is as fresh and clean as possible to continue attracting visitors.
Patricia’s hard work has made a real difference to the people and the environment of the Isle of Wight.
“Must do out best”
When told that she had won the 2012 Marsh Countryside Champion Award, Patricia Almond said: “The Isle of Wight is a naturally beautiful place and we must do our best to keep it that way. Sadly, a few of its citizens and visitors see our streets, wonderful countryside and sandy beaches as a place to throw down litter.
“It only requires just a little extra thought and effort to bin or take home our litter to keep our beloved island clean and beautiful.
“I’m pleased that the Marsh Christian Trust has recognised our work to keep our Island free of litter and I hope this award will inspire more people to get involved in a local litter picking group.”
