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Eden Sustainable and The Pickwell Foundation: Champions of the Tarka Trail Clean-Up on World Clean Up Day 2024

  • Writer: Rob Whitney
    Rob Whitney
  • Oct 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

On September 20, 2024, millions of people across the globe united for World Clean Up Day, an event now officially recognised by the United Nations. This day aims to mobilise 5% of the world’s population to address the growing issue of mismanaged waste. Among the many impactful initiatives, the Tarka Trail clean-up in Barnstaple stood out, thanks to its organisation and coordination from local charity, Plastic Free North Devon.



The Mission of World Clean Up Day

World Clean Up Day is more than just a day of picking up litter; it’s a global movement aimed at catalysing lasting societal change. The event encourages communities to come together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. This year, the focus was on activating local businesses and organisations to participate in clean-up activities, thereby promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about waste management.



Eden Sustainable: Values and Vision

Eden is dedicated to leading the transition towards a more sustainable future. Our core values—Trust, Integrity, Expertise, Commerciality, Care, Community, and Sustainability—guide our actions and decisions every day. These values align perfectly with the ethos of World Clean Up Day, making our involvement in the Tarka Trail clean-up a natural extension of their mission.


  • Trust: Empowering people to take initiative and make a difference.

  • Integrity: Committing to honest and transparent actions.

  • Expertise: Leveraging knowledge to drive impactful environmental projects.

  • Commerciality: Ensuring financial sustainability while pursuing environmental goals.

  • Care: Prioritizing the well-being of colleagues, customers, and the planet.

  • Community: Building strong social relationships and supporting local initiatives.

  • Sustainability: Focusing on long-term environmental health and renewable energy solutions.



The Tarka Trail Clean-Up: A Collaborative Effort

The Tarka Trail clean-up, organised by Plastic Free North Devon (PFND), saw the participation of 100 volunteers from 12 local businesses and organizations. Together, we collected 635 kilos of rubbish along 10.6 miles of the trail. Eden and The Pickwell Foundation played crucial roles in this effort, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.



Shared Values and Goals

Both Eden and The Pickwell Foundation share a deep commitment to sustainability and community involvement. Our participation in the Tarka Trail clean-up highlights several key values:


  • Environmental Responsibility: Both organisations are dedicated to reducing waste and promoting recycling. By participating in the clean-up, they helped remove harmful debris from a vital ecological area.

  • Community Engagement: The clean-up brought together businesses, local councils, and volunteers, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

  • Sustainability: The event underscored the importance of sustainable practices, such as recycling and waste management, which are central to both our missions.



The Importance of Recycling and Sustainability

Recycling and sustainability are at the heart of both Eden Sustainable and The Pickwell Foundation’s operations. By actively participating in clean-up events, they not only help remove waste but also educate the public about the importance of proper waste management. This aligns with the broader goals of World Clean Up Day, which seeks to create lasting change in how societies handle waste.



Looking Ahead

The success of the Tarka Trail clean-up is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses and communities come together for a common cause. As Claire Moodie, CEO of PFND, noted,


"the event was a logistical challenge but ultimately a rewarding experience that brought together diverse groups to protect and improve the local environment."


With plans already in place for future clean-ups, including a Day of Action on January 25, 2025, the momentum for positive environmental change continues to grow.



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Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Eden Sustainable as we continue to lead the charge towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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