CleanupUK is calling on Londoners to support its Earth Raise campaign as part of the Big Give Green Match Fund, as new research highlights growing concerns about littering across the capital and beyond.

With donations doubled during the campaign week, the national environmental charity aims to provide equipment and expand its network of volunteer-led cleanup hubs across London,
supporting communities already taking action to protect parks, streets and green spaces.
The call comes amid rising concern about litter in the capital.

A recent study identified East London borough, Newham as the UK’s littering hotspot, while reports highlight worsening
conditions in South West London’s parks and green spaces, particularly during periods of high public use.

Nationally, research by Keep Britain Tidy found that more than 90% of surveyed
sites contained litter, with 77% of people believing the problem has worsened in recent years.

(keepbritaintidy.org)
CleanupUK says these findings underline the urgent need for community-led action alongside council services.

Across London, CleanupUK hubs are already making a tangible difference.

In Camden, CleanupUK Hub Castlehaven Community Association, based near Camden
Market, supports volunteers to maintain a four-acre community park, the largest green space in Camden Town.

Through regular environmental sessions and community-led action, volunteers have collected 496 bags of litter to date, helping keep the space clean and accessible for
residents.

In East London, CleanupUK Hubs such as The Wash Wombles continue to deliver consistent
environmental impact, volunteers have collected 1,876 bags of litter to date, including a major
cleanup in February 2026 that removed 57 bags of waste alongside over 50 nitrous oxide
canisters highlighting the scale and complexity of local environmental challenges.
Stepney City Farm Hub is a 4.5-acre community farm in East London and a unique educational
green space, offering animal care, food growing, volunteering, workshops, and community
programmes since 2010. It provides open access to nature, learning opportunities, and
wellbeing support in a densely populated urban area, with a strong focus on sustainability,
biodiversity and inclusion. Stepney City Farm Hub has also supported significant environmental
action through regular local cleanups, with volunteers collecting 1,380 bags of litter to date.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing “ripple effect” of community action across London,
where volunteers are stepping up to protect and improve the spaces they care about.
“London’s green spaces, public places and local environments play a vital role in health,
wellbeing and community life, yet they face increasing pressure from litter.” said Sarah Hayes,
Head of Operations at CleanupUK.
“Through our Earth Raise campaign, we can support the incredible work already happening
across the capital helping more communities access the tools, training and support they need
to take action and keep their neighbourhoods clean.”
Litter not only affects the appearance of public spaces but also harms wildlife, contributes to
pollution, and places significant financial pressure on councils, which collectively spend
millions on clearance and enforcement each year. National research also shows that only
around one in ten streets and parks are fully litter-free. (keepbritaintidy.org)
During the Big Give campaign week, all donations to CleanupUK’s Earth Raise campaign will be
doubled, providing a vital opportunity to scale up support for local volunteers and community
groups across London.
CleanupUK is encouraging Londoners to get involved, whether by donating, joining a local
cleanup hub, or starting a new group in their area.
As the capital continues to face growing litter challenges, the charity says community action
will be central to creating cleaner, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods.