Guest Blog by Rebecca Armstrong – The Hearth CIC
Every spring, communities across the UK come together as part of the Great British Spring Clean — a national campaign encouraging people to show they love where they live by taking simple, practical action to care for their local environment.
Here in Southport, that call has been answered in a big way.
Throughout March, community groups, volunteers and residents are rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in as part of Southport’s Great Big Spring Clean — a town‑wide programme of local, community‑led litter picks taking place across parks, streets, neighbourhoods, the town centre and our much‑loved coastline.
A community effort, led by volunteers
Southport’s Great Big Spring Clean is being supported and coordinated entirely in a voluntary capacity, bringing together local people who care deeply about their town and the places they share.
The programme is organised in collaboration with The Hearth Network CIC, Green Sefton and Southport Rotary Eco Club, and supported by a brilliant range of local groups who already play an active role in caring for Southport’s green spaces.
These include Friends groups, neighbourhood volunteers and community organisations who know their areas best and are welcoming others to join them — whether for an hour or a full morning.
Why the Spring Clean matters
Litter picking may seem like a small action, but its impact is far‑reaching.
Removing litter helps protect wildlife, keeps green spaces welcoming and safe, and strengthens pride in place. Just as importantly, it brings people together — neighbours meeting neighbours, families spending time outdoors, and communities taking shared responsibility for the places they love.
Southport’s Great Big Spring Clean is about more than clearing litter. It’s about:
· Caring for our shared environment
· Strengthening community connection
· Supporting civic pride
· Showing that Southport is a green place to live, work and visit
When and where are the clean‑ups happening?
Public litter picks are taking place across Southport on 14, 18, 21, and 29th March 2026, led by local groups including:
· Friends of Duke Street (with Green Sefton)
· Friends of Kings Gardens Southport
· Friends of Ainsdale Village Park
· Friends of Highpark Green Spaces
· Lord St In Bloom
· The Hearth Network CIC (with Green Sefton)
Refreshments supported by Silcocks cafe, St Simon & St Judes and St James Church.
Each event is locally organised, friendly and welcoming. Many finish with a simple social moment — a cup of tea, a chat, or a chance to celebrate what’s been achieved together.
There’s no need to be an experienced volunteer — just turn up, lend a hand, and be part of something positive.
Showing we love where we live
Southport’s Great Big Spring Clean aligns with the wider Cleaner, Greener, Together approach and the national Great British Spring Clean campaign, demonstrating what’s possible when communities are supported to take action together.
It also reflects something deeper: a shared belief that caring for our environment is everyone’s responsibility, and that small actions, taken collectively, really do make a difference.
As spring arrives, Southport is showing that it’s a town that cares — about its people, its places, and its future.
If you’d like to get involved, choose a local litter pick, roll up your sleeves, and join your community in helping make Southport cleaner, greener and ready for the season ahead.
- For more details visit The Heart page on Facebook: (20+) Facebook
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
