Improving places

Improving the public spaces we all share is an integral part of our charity’s mission. We’re not only committed to reducing litter and waste, but also raising the standard our streets, parks, beaches and green spaces—caring for the environment on our doorstep.

Green Flag Award-winning Berkley Square Gardens

At Keep Britain Tidy, we seek to improve places in four main ways with the goal of creating positive, lasting change across the country.

1. Inspiring action through national campaigns

We mobilise millions of people each year through large-scale, high-impact campaigns. These initiatives raise awareness, provide practical ways for people to get involved, and drive significant on-the-ground improvements.

  • The Great British Spring Clean: Our annual mass-action environmental campaign that brings communities together to litter-pick and clean up their local areas.
  • Great Big School Clean: Engaging thousands of schoolchildren in practical environmental action, instilling good habits from a young age.
  • Love Parks Week: Celebrating and championing the importance of our local parks and green spaces.

Great British Spring Clean      Great Big School Clean      Love Parks Week

Litter Heroes litter pickers picking litter

2. Empowering a nation of volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of our mission. We provide structured opportunities for individuals and groups to take ownership of their local environment, transforming good intentions into tangible results. 

  • Litter Heroes: A thriving network of passionate volunteers committed to picking up litter and inspiring others in their neighbourhoods.
  • RiverCare & BeachCare projects: Focused initiatives empowering local communities to protect and improve the quality of their waterways and coastlines.

Litter Heroes

Litter Heroes Ambassador wearing a Keep Britain Tidy hoodie

3. Setting the standard with prestigious awards

Our internationally recognised awards schemes set high benchmarks for quality management, environmental best practice, and public engagement. Achieving one of our awards signifies a truly excellent public space.

  • Green Flag Award: The quality mark for parks and green spaces, ensuring they meet world-class standards
  • Blue Flag and Seaside Awards: Recognising the best beaches and marinas for cleanliness, safety, and environmental management.
  • Green Key: An eco-label for hospitality businesses committed to sustainable operations.
  • Eco-Schools: The largest global sustainable schools programme, fostering environmental education and action in young people.

Green Flag Award      Coastal Awards      Green Key      Eco-Schools      Find your nearest awarded place

Green Flag Award flying against blue sky

4. Driving policy and informing government

We don't just act; we provide the evidence needed to create effective, long-term change. By working closely with central and local government, our research ensures policy is grounded in reality.

  • Research and insight: Conducting rigorous research into the causes, types, and impacts of litter, waste, and public place quality issues.
  • Informing policy: Using our unique data and expertise to advise government on effective strategies, legislation, and policies to reduce litter at the source and improve public places nationwide.
MPs meeting in Parliament

Ready to help us Keep Britain Tidy? Find out more about how to get involved today and become part of the movement caring for the environment on your doorstep! 

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A Litter Hero in London

Great British Spring Clean Welcome

The Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign. Each year, more than 400,000 volunteers clear litter from our streets, parks and beaches.

Litter Heroes litter pickers picking litter

Litter Heroes

Join Litter Heroes - the UK’s largest community of volunteer litter-pickers. On your own or with a group, litter-picking is an easy and fun way to get active, improve your wellbeing and take care of the environment on your doorstep.