Volunteers get down and dirty for the big Tarka Trail clean up 2025

More than 130 volunteers from across North Devon have rolled up their sleeves for the annual Tarka Trail and Estuary Clean-Up, collecting 76 bags of rubbish weighing a total of 435kg in a single day.

The clean-up, co-ordinated by Earth Action North Devon (EAND) as part of World Clean Up Day, worked to bring together local businesses and organisations to tackle litter hotspots stretching from Chivenor to Torrington.

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The teams spread out along the Tarka Trail and estuary to collect everything from discarded bottles and food wrappers to a BMX bicycle and a supermarket trolley.

Above: Pictured during the event are Barnstaple Town Council members and staff, Devon & Cornwall Police officers, representatives of The Amber Foundation, Barnstaple county councillor Syed Yusef and Barnstaple Mayor Cllr Janet Coates. Credit: EAN

Among those taking part were North Devon MP Ian Roome and local councillors including Barnstaple Mayor Janet Coates and Syed Jusef.

The collected data will now feed into national and global lobbying efforts through partners including Surfers Against Sewage and the Marine Conservation Society, strengthening calls for better waste reduction policies.

Above: Volunteers working on the Tarka Trail and estuary clean up at Instow. Credit: EAND

Anne-Marie Eveleigh at Earth Action North Devon said: “This event is about more than just cleaning up. It’s about coming together as a community, leading by example and contributing to a global movement to tackle plastic pollution and climate change.

“Every bag collected is a step towards healthier ecosystems, cleaner waterways, and a more connected community thanks to the waste collected and the conversations that take place.”

Above: A clean up volunteer from Eden Sustainable Ltd/The Pickwell Foundation. Credit: EAND

The event is part of a wider push to highlight the growing impact of plastic pollution, which is set to triple by 2060 and to encourage conversations around consumer habits, waste management, and the fossil fuel industry’s role in plastic production.

Above: Members of Barnstaple Rugby Club taking part in the Tarka Trail clean up and (below) Barnstaple Mayor Janet Coates with Pip the dog. Credit: Libby Bowles. Credit: EAND/Libby Bowles

Anne-Marie added: “With the failure of the latest Global Plastics Treaty it is more important than ever for businesses and communities to come together to show what’s possible when we all play a part.

“Now the real challenge is to keep that momentum going by encouraging businesses and organisations to take further steps by intertwining environmental action and messaging into their everyday.”

Above: A member of Active Devon working on the Tarka Trail clean up at Torrington and (below) A volunteer from Eden Sustainables clearing undergrowth of litter and BMX bikes at Barnstaple. Credit: EAND/The Pickwell Foundation

The next action day for EAND will take place on January 31. There will also be various beach and community area cleans listed on the charity’s website at www.earthactionnorthdevon.org

Above: Volunteers taking part in the clean up at Barnstaple. Credit: EAND

EAND would like to extend its thanks to all participating businesses and organisations that took part in the day:

Active Devon, Asda Barnstaple, Barnstaple Rugby Club, Barnstaple Town Council, Boden Group, Brend Collection, Christie Estates, Cllr Janet Coastes, Cllr Syed Yusef, Coastal Recycling, Croyde Ocean Triathlon, Devon & Cornwall Police, Dryrobe, Eden Sustainable Ltd, Gates Consultants, Get Better Ltd, Home Farm Marsh, Ian Roome MP, North Devon Biosphere, North Devon Coast National Landscape, North Devon Council, North Devon Parking Team, North Devon Yacht Club, Northam Burrows, The Amber Foundation, The Gaia Trust, The Glorious Oyster, The Mayor of Barnstaple, The Pickwell Foundation, Thornery Care, Tidal & Trail Bike Hire/Skern Lodge, Torridge District Council, Torridge Green Party, Torridge Growing Together.