WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH!

Exmoor National Park Authority Rangers collected two large trailers full of rubbish when they undertook an 11 mile litter pick from Wheddon Cross to Elworthy Cross along the B3224 last Thursday.

National Park Authority Ranger Richard Eales said "The team were on the road from 9:30am to 4pm and we collected an amazing assortment of rubbish including a whole car bumper; wing mirrors and hub caps; a new car wheel and tyre; clothing; builders waste; numerous plastic feed bags; aerosol cans; twisted metal; carpet; glass; plastic bottles; sweet wrappers; an electric fan; fast food wrappers; and a video cassette case."

Head Ranger Mike Leach said "It is amazing how selfish a few people are.  Not only does litter look terrible, it is a risk to the health and safety of wildlife and humans.  Animals can be injured, maimed or killed when getting tangled in or after eating rubbish, and it is possible that motor vehicle accidents could be caused by objects left on the highway.  It is up to every responsible person - resident or visitor - to take their litter home or dispose of it in a responsible manner."

Although clearing litter from the roads of Exmoor is not the responsibility of the National Park Authority, the Rangers undertake several litter sweeps each year in the worst places.  "Visitors to National Parks and other protected landscapes expect higher standards of maintenance and cleanliness than in other areas so we are just doing our bit" said Mr Leach.

^{After this photograph was taken a further 11 bin bags of rubbish were collected}