Meet the passionate volunteers behind Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking, a grassroots initiative committed to keeping Weston-Super-Mare SUPER.
Their core purpose is to ensure Weston’s many miles of sandy beaches are free of litter, allowing everyone to enjoy them safely. Beyond the immediate act of litter-picking, they cultivate a deep sense of responsibility within the community for keeping their town, parks, and local spaces pristine.
A growing movement, Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking has thousands of supporters across their social media platforms. Their impact is visible in the ever-growing popularity of their monthly picks.
Their dedicated volunteers head out most evenings to tackle litter in their local parks, roads, and communal areas. These consistent efforts are complemented by larger, monthly gatherings where volunteers unite to meticulously clean the beach, town centre, and promenade, ensuring these vital areas remain clean and safe for all.
Susan Cooke , Volunteer, Dreams in PlasticThe litter-picking movement is growing, and I see more and more folks doing it. I think it's like any behaviour; it takes time to normalise, but I feel the positivity is spreading.
The positive impact of Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking on the local community is evident in the strong support they receive from local businesses and, more importantly, in the growing litter-picking movement they've inspired.
As volunteer Susan Cooke from Dreams in Plastic aptly puts it, "The litter-picking movement is growing, and I see more and more folks doing it. I think it's like any behaviour; it takes time to normalise, but I feel the positivity is spreading."
This group has fostered a shared responsibility and pride in their town and environment, proving that collective action can truly transform a place.
When asked what they are most proud of, the answer from Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking volunteers is unanimous: the tangible difference they are making: "We often hear comments from people visiting Weston to say how tidy it is”.
This recognition from visitors underscores the visible impact of their tireless efforts and serves as a powerful motivator.
While entirely self-funded and operating with some council support, Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking is not alone in its mission. They actively support and are supported by other community-minded groups such as Blooming Weston Returns, Cleaner Coastlines, and Dreams in Plastics. This collaborative spirit extends to various local businesses, whose support further strengthens their ability to make a difference.
The passion of Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking volunteers shows how much they love where they live. Here's what some of them have to say:
- Katie Davies highlights the visible transformation: “I pick up litter to make our common home feel good for everybody. People notice and are maybe hopefully influenced too."
- Simon offers simple but effective advice: "If everyone picked up one piece of litter there wouldn’t be any. If everyone dropped one piece of litter, we’d be swimming in it."
- Jackie and Alan Jackson express their motivation: "We litter-pick because we do not like litter in any shape or form. It does give us a sense of achievement but mostly because Weston looks so much better."
The dedication and commitment of these volunteers, and indeed all those who contribute to Keeping Weston SUPER, are a testament to the power of community action. They are not just picking up litter; they are cultivating a cleaner, prouder, and more beautiful Weston for everyone to enjoy.
*originally published 27/05/2025*