Blenheim joins annual Woodstock litter pick
On Monday 11th March our staff joined a combined community litter pick, coordinated by Sustainable Woodstock.
Along with Woodstock residents, community groups, local schools, and coordinated by Sustainable Woodstock, Blenheim staff took part in an Annual Litter Pick on Monday 11 March.
No fewer than 31 members of staff joined in the campaign, collecting over 35 bags of litter within the afternoon which were taken back to the Palace’s waste compactors and recycled where possible.
Work included; clearing litter, cleaning signs and improving the general appearance outside the park from Ditchley Gate round past Judds Garage down to Old Woodstock.
Rachel Brodie, Blenheim's Rural Manager, said:
““I’d like to say thank you to everyone for their support to reduce environmental pollution in this annual activity – you can immediately see the difference and alongside the Woodstock Community team we have now picked from Bladon Roundabout up to Old Woodstock and out on the Banbury Road up to Ditchley Gate.
There were 31 of us collecting 35 bags of litter including a full load with a polaris buggy. This is a great achievement especially in maintaining ecological habitats and avoiding toxins entering our soils, land and water courses. By supporting the local volunteers we have been able to do our bit to present Woodstock and the World Heritage Site in the best light.”
One of Blenheim Palace’s key goals over the next 10 years is to support and contribute more to the local community.
Rachel added:
“We are delighted to support the local community of Woodstock and combat the environmental impacts fly tipping is having on our local landscape. We want this collective effort to raise awareness around the increasing volumes of waste entering our ecosystems and prompt people and businesses alike to reflect on the waste they produce and recycle it responsibly."
Sustainable Woodstock was established in 2009. The initiative aims to raise public awareness among the residents of Woodstock and beyond on the issues of climate change, energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling, bio-diversity, sustainable economics and respect for the planet.
The organisation work in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, local schools and churches, Blenheim Palace and the Farmers Market and the Woodstock trade association, Wake Up to Woodstock.