Spotlight on: Litter Heroes Ambassador Richard Walker

This month, we’re celebrating Richard Walker who founded the Aylesbury Wombles with his daughter Abigail.  

Richard first started litter-picking with Abigail when she was learning about the importance of caring for the environment at school.  

“She wanted to make a difference,” Richard told us, “so we started litter-picking in our neighbourhood. Then, one day, Abi said ‘I wonder if we can get more people involved?’” 

The seed for the Aylesbury Wombles was planted, and Abigail and Richard set up the group in June 2019.  

The father/daughter duo “started a Facebook group and off it went!” The Aylesbury Wombles now pick at least twice a week as a group with 20 to 40 volunteers each time and Richard has grown the page to achieve 2,500 followers.  

And their activity has expanded beyond just picking litter. They’re also working hard to educate people about the impact of litter.  

“We do talks in schools and youth groups about the impact litter has and what to do about it, and the changes that can be made,” Richard shared. 

Richard even uses drone photography to showcase the scale of the litter of issue.  

The group’s efforts to improve their local environment have earned them a place on the shortlist for this year’s Green Award for the BBC Three Counties Radio Make a Difference Awards.  

The Aylesbury Wombles recycle what they can with a little support from Buckinghamshire Council.  

“Our volunteers split their rubbish on the go. Three main streams; general rubbish, recycling (like the stuff you recycle at home) and aluminium cans,” Richard explained. “We have a garage that is paid for by ‘Fairhive’ which is a local housing association. When we have between 200kg and 250kg, Simon comes in his big van and we take them off to ASM (Metal Recycling) in Aylesbury to be recycled.” 

Bucks Council then match fund this recycling scheme, which the Aylesbury Wombles have been delivering since September 2020. In that time, they’ve recycled over 5.5 tonnes of cans – or approximately 385,000 cans.  

“I talk about litter, the impact it has, and what can be done about it until the cows come home!” Richard told us. “I love the people I’ve met through the Aylesbury Wombles! Our volunteers are Superheroes and all litter-pickers across the country are too!” 

And his advice to other Litter Heroes? “Keep smiling and don't let them litter bugs get you down!” 

Keep Britain Tidy want to thank Richard, Abigail, and all the Aylesbury Wombles for the difference they are making to the environment in their area.  

Litter Heroes Programme Manager Emily Parr said “Richard is one of our newest Litter Heroes Ambassadors and we were delighted to finally welcome him aboard in summer 2024. The work and impact of his group, Aylesbury Wombles, is nothing short of brilliant. His efforts have certainly gone above and beyond the everyday and it is so impressive to see how many different initiatives the group have got stuck into. Their award nominations are very much deserved.”  

Applications are currently closed for our Litter Heroes Ambassador programme, but if you’re a litter-picker and you want to keep up-to-date, you can register as a Litter Hero. You’ll get the latest litter-picking news, campaigns and events, access to exclusive resources, and you’ll be the first to hear when applications to join our Litter Heroes Ambassador programme open. 

*originally published 03/11/2024*