Next up are the Walton WALLYS who are run by Care Group Leader Rachel and are dedicated to making Walton-on-the-Naze an even better place to live and visit. Their commitment goes beyond just tidying up; it's about safeguarding our precious environment and giving local wildlife the best possible chance to thrive.
This volunteer group is part of Keep Britain Tidys' RiverCare & BeachCare programme, which supports a network of fantastic volunteer groups carrying out vital work along waterways in their local area. Located in the East of England and funded by Anglian Water, our RiverCare & BeachCare volunteer groups clear litter, help manage habitats, monitor species and campaign locally.
Walton-on-the-Naze holds a special place with its diverse coastline. Not only does it have beautiful sandy beaches facing the open sea, but also an extensive stretch of estuarine foreshore along the serene Walton Backwaters. The Walton WALLYS are uniquely positioned to protect both these distinct and vital habitats.
Rachel, Walton WALLYS volunteerOur volunteers are well-known in the local area, and give people the opportunity to help make their community tidier, and get out to enjoy the fresh air and views with us.
At the heart of this effort is a core group of about a dozen regular volunteers, who are often joined by others, bringing the total to 15 to 18 people for group picks. These organised clean-ups happen in various locations approximately every 10 days. Their impact is further amplified by at least half a dozen dedicated individuals who integrate litter picking into their daily dog walks – an invaluable contribution that keeps local areas consistently cleaner.
Asked about the difference her group makes to their local community, Rachel explained: “Our volunteers are well-known in the local area, and give people the opportunity to help make their community tidier, and get out to enjoy the fresh air and views with us.”
“Our regular volunteers look upon our meets as a social group, as everyone is so friendly, which uplifts their spirits and improves their mental health. We also try to support local businesses by sometimes going for coffee after a litter pick, and support our local charity, the Naze Protection Society, by providing volunteers for their fundraisers etc”.
Over the past four years, the WALLYS have made a truly remarkable difference in Walton. Hundreds of bags of "vintage litter" – items that have been hidden under bushes for years – have been removed. The oldest find to date? A Hula Hoop packet from 1986! This tangible impact is a source of lasting pride for many of those involved.
The Walton WALLYS’ dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2024, they were honoured with a Pride of Tendring Award; recognition from the local council of their outstanding community work. They work collaboratively with local landowners to ensure the Backwaters foreshore remains as litter-free as possible, and other local contractors provide crucial assistance in clearing rubbish from those hard-to-access areas.
This Volunteers’ Week, we want to express our gratitude to the incredible individuals who are making Walton-on-the-Naze a brighter, cleaner, and healthier place for everyone. Their passion and commitment are an inspiration!
*originally published 27/05/2025*