The region’s largest volunteer clean-up effort, Big Spring Clean, is returning for another year.

The campaign, coordinated by the Live Here Love Here community and civic pride group, aims to draw individuals, schools, community groups and businesses across Fermanagh to make a positive impact on the environment.

A total of 18 clean-up events in partnership with nine local council areas will be held in Bawnacre Centre on April 6, Kilkeel Harbour on April 20 and Belfast City Hall on April 22. 

The event which saw more than 38,000 volunteers participate last year will run until April 30.

Impartial Reporter: Lynda said the campaign is all about fostering a sense of community pride while tackling

Andrew Muir, Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), said: “I am very proud that my Department supports the BIG Spring Clean which is Northern Ireland’s largest volunteer clean-up campaign and provides an opportunity for everyone to join in and work collaboratively to make a real difference in their local community. 

"Each of us has a responsibility to care for and protect our precious environment and I thank all our volunteers who make this event such a success and inspire us all to get involved and improve and protect our environment.”

Litter remains an issue in Northern Ireland, with a report from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful stating that nearly 12 million items of litter consistently pollute the region.

Lynda Surgenor, manager at Live Here Love Here, said: "Beyond the lasting impact of a tidier environment, the benefits of volunteering and lending a helping hand are manifold – from the positive impact it can have on people’s mental health to strengthening community bonds and meeting new people. 

"This campaign is all about fostering a sense of community pride while tackling environmental challenges head-on and everyone is welcome to participate."

Volunteers interested in taking part in regular clean-up events can participate in the Adopt a Spot programme, which includes free litter-picking equipment. 

More information about the programme is available on the Live Here Love Here website.

For more information and event details, go to liveherelovehere.org/bigspringclean.