Dorset Devils
1645. Peter Ryan
Peter Ryan BCAc, from Bournemouth, founded ‘Dorset Devils’, a band of over 700 volunteers who have collected more than 12,000 bags of rubbish across the county since 2013.
Peter set up the group to encourage Dorset residents of all ages to take pride in their local environment and join in small but regular clean-ups. ‘Dorset Devils’ frequently collaborates with local schools and universities, Scouts and community groups, as well as businesses, to raise awareness of keeping town centres, green spaces and coastlines free from waste, and most recently, Peter has helped lead efforts to ensure Dorset’s beaches have remained clean after receiving a huge increase in visitor numbers in 2020 following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
In a personal letter to Peter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Let me congratulate you all at ‘Dorset Devils’ for your fantastic work keeping your county free of litter. With your volunteer army you have collected an astonishing 12,000 bags of rubbish.
“As we enjoy the great British summer, I am delighted that people will enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic coastline and Dorset’s green spaces and towns free of litter. This is thanks to you!”
Peter said:
“It’s amazing to be the recipient of the latest Points of Light award issued through the offices of the Prime Minister. I’m really honoured and wish to say this recognition is because of the awesome efforts of our volunteer litter pickers at ‘Dorset Devils’ and the terrific support we receive from BCP Council, Bournemouth University and within the Dorset community.”
Pictured below: volunteers with ‘Dorset Devils’
