Across Cornwall, thousands of volunteers give their time every year to help keep their local communities clean. From organised litter picking groups to individuals carrying a litter picker on their daily walk, these volunteers are making a real difference to the places we all care about.

The Cornwall Litter Network Summit was created to bring these volunteers together, providing an opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate successes and help shape the future of litter action across Cornwall.

Held at County Hall in Truro, the Summit welcomed litter picking groups, community organisations, local authorities and environmental partners from across the county. The event created a space for open conversations about the realities of volunteering on the front line of Cornwall's litter problem.

Discussions explored a range of topics, including repeat littering, volunteer safety, complex waste, disposal challenges, behaviour change and opportunities for greater collaboration between organisations and communities. Most importantly, the event ensured that volunteer voices were heard.

The Summit was supported by a Cornwall-wide volunteer survey, helping us better understand the experiences of people involved in litter picking across Cornwall. The survey highlighted both the positive impact volunteers are having and the challenges they face, providing valuable insight that will help shape future support, resources and campaigns.

The findings reinforced what we already know, that Cornwall's litter picking community is passionate, dedicated and committed to protecting the places they love.

The Cornwall Litter Network Summit is just the beginning. We are continuing to work with volunteers and partners to strengthen the network, encourage collaboration and ensure that those giving their time to care for Cornwall have the support they need.

Volunteer survey

The volunteer survey provides a snapshot of the experiences, challenges and priorities of litter picking volunteers across Cornwall.

Read the survey findings here