Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland’s leading community and civic pride campaign, has announced the return of its flagship environmental volunteering initiative – Big Spring Clean. Running from March 1 to April 30, it is the region’s largest volunteer clean-up campaign and approximately 38,000 volunteers are expected to take part this year across individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups.

Big Spring Clean

Throughout March and April, volunteers across Northern Ireland will have the chance to join in or host a series of community clean-up events in their local areas.

Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said, “Big Spring Clean is an annual highlight in communities right across the region. Powered by the good will of people, year-on-year it helps protect our region’s natural beauty and wildlife, while strengthening community spirit. Last year, over 200 events took place engaging more than 38,000 people to take action and we are hopeful that this year even more will join us in creating cleaner, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy. Picking up litter may seem simple, but it has a significant impact, and whether volunteering for the first time or returning, your support counts. We are looking forward to the lasting impact we can make together this year and thank our volunteers and our partners for their support.”

Choice Housing will lead a litter-picking event at Crannog Way in Dungannon on March 7. On March 8, Newcastle Beach will be the location for another community clean-up organised by Unit T, while Countryside Custodians will host an event in Ballyclare on March 15. Additionally, Linen Quarter BID is planning a litter-picking initiative in Belfast City Centre on April 15.

Helping Hand Environmental, a leading manufacturer in sustainable litter clearance tools, is sponsoring this year’s campaign for the first time, reinforcing Big Spring Clean’s success to date. It is contributing free litter-picking kits to participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

With added support from the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Translink, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and nine local councils, this year’s campaign is set to unite communities, reduce litter across the region and leave a lasting positive impact on the local environment.

Chrissie Jeffery, Regional Sales Advisor at Helping Hand Environmental said, “Big Spring Clean helps us to demonstrate our long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. Since 1965, we have been at the forefront of environmental solutions, championing quality, sustainability, and community action. We are proud to support Live Here Love Here in its efforts this year and hope to empower communities across Northern Ireland to protect their environment. By equipping volunteers with the right tools, we can help communities take ownership of their surroundings and drive long-term environmental stewardship.”