Summer Solstice Clean-up

Happy Spot-Less Summer Solstice… and a Happy Father’s Day too!

Today, 3 volunteers went on a dawn litter pick mission to tackle roadside litter in Church Road Otham. They made use of the longest day of the year and quiet road traffic conditions, working from 4.30am - 7.30am to clear a staggering 17 bags of roadside litter in Church Road. 

This event was born from an idea about our connection to our nearest star and about how Church Road connects Downswood to Otham and vice versa. We want the road to Downswood to be a welcoming one just like the Sun welcomed us into this, the longest day! For these reasons Zara Duffield, Nick “The Terminator” Hegley & Tomás “Thunder” Thorndycraft arose to this challenge. 

This trio of volunteers deserve recognition for this exceptional effort and we also applaud the efforts of the many solo volunteers and groups who litter pick across our borough. During the retrieval phase a tiny snail emerged from one of our bags, we rescued this one but often wonder how many animals and insects are trapped by or ingest objects that are simply not meant for the natural world? ️

This event aims to highlight the issue of roadside littering and what we the people can do to reduce the problem and drive towards litter-free verges.

We’d like to give special thanks to Oliver Bryant Photography (and his partner Nikki) who selflessly provided us with excellent photography and his kindness in supporting many events like this one. 

Thanks too…
The Downswood Community Centre
Downswood - Parish Council
Maidstone Borough Council
… for your combined support, help and assistance!

"Leave Nothing But Footprints, Take Nothing But Memories"