Safety first as Derry Big Spring Clean enters final weeks
Final call for volunteers as Live Here Love Here campaign enters last two weeks
Live Here Love Here is urging volunteers across Derry to prioritise safety as the Big Spring Clean enters its final fortnight, as communities, schools and local groups continue to rally behind Northern Ireland’s largest annual clean-up campaign.
Running throughout March and April, the Big Spring Clean mobilises people of all ages to brighten shared spaces, protect wildlife and reduce pollution. With activity ramping up in the final weeks, organisers say careful planning and a strong focus on safety are key to ensuring every clean-up is both impactful and enjoyable.
Across Derry, volunteers have already made a visible difference in parks, streets and shared spaces. But as more groups prepare to take part before the campaign closes on 30 April, Live Here Love Here is encouraging participants to think beyond simply showing up with a litter picker.
Choosing the right location is a crucial first step. Clean-ups should take place in areas that are safe, accessible and suitable for all volunteers, avoiding busy roads, steep ground or locations where visibility is limited. Taking a few minutes to assess the site in advance, using the template risk assessment available on the Live Here Love Here website, can help identify any potential risks and ensure the activity runs smoothly from start to finish.
Equally important is using the right equipment. Gloves and litter pickers should always be used to minimise direct contact with waste, while high-visibility clothing can make a significant difference when working near traffic or in public areas. Volunteers are also reminded that not all waste should be handled - sharp objects, chemicals or unknown materials should be left in place and reported to the local council for safe removal.
For groups involving children or young people, supervision and clear guidance are essential. Setting boundaries, keeping groups together and ensuring younger volunteers understand how to participate safely helps create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Weather conditions can also play a major role in safety. Checking the forecast ahead of time and being prepared to reschedule in poor conditions - such as strong winds or heavy rain - can help avoid unnecessary risks and ensure volunteers remain comfortable and visible throughout the activity.
Planning doesn’t stop when the litter pick ends. Organisers are encouraged to arrange waste collection in advance so that bags are removed quickly and responsibly. Recording results through the Live Here Love Here Activity Log also helps capture the full scale of the campaign’s impact across Northern Ireland.
This year’s campaign arrives as concern about litter remains high. Research commissioned by Live Here Love Here in 2025 found that 85% of people in Northern Ireland believe littering is a major problem, with 73% saying it negatively affects mental health and eight in ten agreeing it places a financial burden on domestic and business rates.
The campaign continues to highlight that litter picking is about far more than improving appearances. Each bag of litter collected helps to protect wildlife, prevent pollution entering waterways, and foster a stronger sense of pride within local communities.
Live Here Love Here Manager Lynda Surgenor said: “We’re so encouraged by the energy and dedication shown across Derry this spring. As we enter the final two weeks, we want to remind everyone to put safety first - plan your clean-up carefully, choose locations that are safe and suitable for your group, and make sure you have the right equipment.
"Looking out for one another and taking simple precautions will ensure every event is both safe and enjoyable. Whether you’re organising a group activity or picking up litter on your daily walk, every action contributes to a cleaner and more hopeful Northern Ireland. And don’t forget to log your results so we can celebrate the collective impact.”
Sponsored by Power NI, Helping Hand and Belfast Harbour, with continued support from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Big Spring Clean continues to be a powerful example of community-led environmental action.
With two weeks to go, Live Here Love Here is encouraging residents, businesses, schools and community groups across Derry to host a final clean-up event, borrow equipment from their local council if needed, and join the movement before the campaign closes on 30 April.
For safety guidance, resources and to record your results, visit liveherelovehere.org/bigspringclean.