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Trash Free Trails

1478. Dom Ferris

Dominic Ferris, from Cornwall, founded ‘Trash Free Trails’ to bring together riders, runners and roamers in Britain’s national parks and wild spaces to tackle plastic pollution.

Dom Ferris

Driven by encouraging people to participate in clean-ups through a sense of purposeful adventure, Dom works closely with volunteer ambassadors across the country to organise clean-ups and encourage them to help maintain their local wild spaces while enjoying being active in them and connecting with nature. During lockdown, he has also promoted a ‘SelfLESS Isolation’ project, encouraging 500 people to connect with their local wild spaces while carrying out socially distanced trail clean-ups, and benefiting their own mental wellbeing in the process.

In a personal letter to Dom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“I want to congratulate you on the success of your ‘SelfLESS Isolation’ project which has galvanised hundreds of people across the country to reconnect with the natural wonders on their doorstep while keeping our trails and coastlines clean.

“I am heartened by your efforts through ‘Trash Free Trails’ to bring together a community of runners, riders and roamers to look after the wild spaces that they love, and protect our wildlife from harm.

“As we take part in the Great British September Clean, I want to thank you on behalf of the whole country by recognising you as the UK’s 1478th Point of Light.”

George Eustice MP, Environment Secretary and Cornish MP, said:

“Dom’s outstanding work to help keep our outdoor spaces free of litter and plastic has been an inspiration to many in Cornwall and across the country.

“We all know litter and plastic pollution pose a significant threat to wildlife and our natural environment, as well as a health risk to those who use and enjoy our trails and pathways.

“Trash Free Trails is a shining example of how passionate communities are when it comes to taking on this important issue, and I want to extend a huge thank you to Dom and all the volunteers who support his efforts, as well as those who are currently taking part in the Great British September Clean.”

Dom said:

“Trash Free Trails simply wouldn’t exist without the incredible donation of time, talent and passion of our TRASHMOB volunteers across the UK. They are our ‘points of light’ and it is an honour to accept this award on their behalf. Thank you very much.”

Pictured below: Dom and volunteers get stuck in to a clean up at Grizedale, Lake District (credit: James Mackeddie), and at Leigh Woods, Bristol (credit: Paul Box; also main image above) 

Trash Free Trails clean up at Grizedale

Trash Free Trails clean up at Leigh Woods Bristol

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The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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