Keeping Pulborough Tidy: Why Litter Matters More Than Ever

Littering may seem like a small act, but its impact on Pulborough’s streets, green spaces and wildlife is anything but. Across West Sussex and Horsham District, councils and community groups are stepping up efforts to tackle the problem — and Pulborough residents are increasingly part of the solution.

The Local Picture: What Councils Are Doing

Horsham District Council (HDC) Initiatives

Horsham District Council continues to invest heavily in keeping public spaces clean. Its support for the annual Great British Spring Clean back in March, a Keep Britain Tidy initiative, which was actioned for our community by our Neighbourhood Wardens, encouraged residents to pledge time to litter picking.

Across the UK 585,000 volunteers collected nearly 452,000 bags of litter, a heroic effort in the fight against littering.

Another major initiative is Adopt a Street, a volunteer scheme now supported by hundreds of residents who choose a local area to keep clean. Volunteers receive litter pickers, bags, gloves and hi-vis vests, and the council collects the filled sacks afterwards.

Horsham District Council also urges residents to report roadside littering — particularly in problem areas like the A29 — and can issue fines of up to £2,500 for offenders.

West Sussex County Council Collaboration

WSCC works with Horsham District Council on waste reduction and circular economy initiatives, including a subsidised composting scheme.

The Impact on Pulborough’s Community and Nature

Environmental Damage

Litter harms wildlife, pollutes waterways and degrades habitats. Nationally, the RSPCA receives around 14 calls a day about animals injured by litter — a stark reminder that even a single discarded can or plastic wrapper can cause suffering.

In Pulborough, where rivers, sports fields, play parks and nature reserves form part of daily life, litter can quickly travel from footpaths into streams and drainage systems, eventually reaching the Arun and beyond.

Community Wellbeing

Clean streets encourage walking, outdoor play and community events. Conversely, litter hotspots can make areas feel neglected, discourage visitors and create a cycle where people are more likely to drop rubbish in places already affected.

Financial Cost

Clearing litter is expensive. Councils across the UK spend hundreds of millions annually on litter removal, diverting funds from parks, youth services, community facilities and environmental projects. Locally, Horsham District Council’s cleansing operations represent a significant ongoing cost — one that could be reduced if littering declined.

FACT: HDC’s cleansing team empties 800 public litter bins and 400 dog bins each week, covering 1,600 miles of streets across the district.

Why Keeping Pulborough Tidy Matters

Pulborough is a village with strong community spirit, active volunteer groups and well-loved green spaces. Keeping it clean:

• Protects wildlife on the Brooks, the riverbanks and our green spaces
• Supports local pride and strengthens community identity
• Makes public spaces safer and more welcoming
• Reduces public spending, freeing resources for other improvements
• Encourages visitors, supporting local businesses and events
• Sets a positive example for young people and future generations

How Residents Can Help

• Join Adopt a Street and take responsibility for a small patch of Pulborough or Nutbourne
• Take part in the Great British Spring Clean each March
• Report littering incidents, especially roadside dumping
• Carry a small bag to collect litter safely and join the many local people who do this regularly on their walks
• Encourage children and young people to understand the problems littering causes and take pride in their village
• Support local environmental groups and community clean‑ups

A Shared Responsibility

Pulborough thrives when residents, councils and community groups work together. Littering isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a threat to wildlife, a drain on public resources and a barrier to the vibrant, welcoming village we all want to live in.

By taking small, simple actions, each of us can help keep Pulborough clean, green and proud.