Published: 12 Mar 2020 | Last Updated: 12 Mar 2020 16:57:36

Staff and students at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) joined together this week to kick-start a new monthly litter picking initiative as part of the RVC’s environmental stewardship role and ongoing commitment to support the local community. 

Teaming up with the RVC Student’s Union clubs the Student Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) and the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association (SAVMA), over 20 members of staff and students joined forces to clear up the campus as well as Hawkshead Lane and the surrounding areas to improve and enhance the local environment.

The first litter picking session commenced on Wednesday 11 March after SAVMA chose to use its grant for community outreach for a Hawkshead Campus ‘clean-up’. Following the successful turn out, and the progress made already, the sessions will continue to take place each month.

Sarah Ready, Director of External Relations at the RVC, said:“As landowners, we are very aware of the impact that litter has on our local environment. Positive stewardship of the land really matters to the RVC and this initiative, along with many others is part of our commitment to the wider community in helping to improve the environment and make a difference.”

Jade Urquhart-Gilmore, RVC SU President, said: “Litter picking is a key part of a much wider effort in sustaining a healthy and positive environment at the RVC. We are incredibly supportive of the initiative and the turn-out of students and staff has been brilliant, demonstrating our dedication and support.

“It really is minimal input for maximum impact – working together, an hour of our time each month is just a small contribution yet will undoubtedly result in a much better environment and we look forward to building on this in the months to come.”

Notes to Editors