Pupils from Mynydd Cynffig Primary School joined forces with local community groups earlier this week to tackle a litter problem in local woodland, close to the site earmarked for their brand-new school.
The litter pick was organised by the council and the school after ecology experts from Wildwood Ecology Limited discovered significant amounts of rubbish, including drinks cans and food packaging, scattered throughout the woodland area during their wildlife surveys.
The mess was not only an eyesore but posed a potential threat to a variety of wildlife, including dormice which have made the area their home.
“It’s fantastic to see our young people taking such an active role in protecting their local environment. This litter pick perfectly demonstrates how we can all work together – schools, councils, and community groups – to make a real difference to both our wildlife and our local community.”
The initiative emerged from careful planning around the new school development. Wildwood Ecology, who are providing specialist consultancy services for the replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary School, had been developing mitigation strategies for slow worms at the former Pwllygath allotment site when they identified the dormice habitat nearby.
During an April site visit, the project team walked through the school grounds, allotment area, and surrounding woodland with the ecologist. While they were pleased to confirm there’s plenty of scope for implementing dormice protection measures, the amount of litter was clearly a concern that needed addressing.
The school community didn’t hesitate to get involved. Following a thorough risk assessment workshop in June and comprehensive safety briefings, pupils and volunteers were equipped with everything they needed for the task. KPC Youth provided litter pickers, bin holders, hi-vis vests, gloves, and rubbish bags, while the council supplied glass collection boxes, sharps containers, shoe cleaning stations, and drinking water. The school ensured safety was paramount by providing first aid support.
The targeted cleanup focused on the woodland areas on either side of the footway, carefully avoiding the precious dormouse habitat zones that have been specially mapped and protected.
“The pupils involved have gained valuable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship while directly contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. “The litter pick represents just one element of the thoughtful approach being taken toward the new school development, with ecology and community considerations at the heart of the planning process.”
