The RSPCA is urging people to help protect wildlife by taking part in this year’s Great British Spring Clean, organised by Keep Britain Tidy.
The nationwide campaign – running from Friday (13 March) to 29 March, encourages communities to clear litter from streets, parks and waterways – with the RSPCA warning that everyday rubbish is having devastating consequences for animals.
The charity’s frontline rescuers, volunteers, vets and wildlife rehabilitation centres regularly see the impact of litter on wild animals – from birds tangled in fishing line, to mammals trapped inside plastic or garden netting.
One persistent hazard involves discarded fishing gear, particularly around rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA, said: “It’s distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter, and many of these incidents are completely avoidable.”
New RSPCA figures – revealed today (13 March) – show that last year the charity received more than 300 calls about animals and birds tangled up in fishing debris alone – including hooks, lines and nets – with Greater Manchester recording the highest number of incidents across England and Wales.
However, fishing tackle is just one of many everyday litter items that can cause serious harm to wildlife.
According to the RSPCA’s Kindness Index, 95% of people acknowledge that litter is harmful. Among the top concerns are pollution of waterways (45%), danger to wildlife from consuming or being trapped in litter (43%), and the visual impact on local areas (35%). But despite that public acknowledgement, litter continues to blight many communities, and put animals at risk.
And despite widespread concern, action remains limited. While participation in litter picks has risen slightly from 12% in 2024 to 13% in 2025, this still represents a small proportion of those worried about the issue.
Encouragingly, 40% of children and young people say they have taken action by picking up litter or taking it home to prevent harm to animals – suggesting the next generation is leading the way in protecting wildlife.
Real-life rescues highlight the dangers of litter
Greater Manchester: A young hedgehog was admitted to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, after being severely tangled in garden football netting. The netting had wrapped tightly around his legs and body, cutting into the skin and causing painful swelling.
The team carefully removed the netting and assessed and treated his wounds, and was able to make a full recovery.
London: A young fox cub was found, in Hammersmith, having grown up with a cable tie wrapped tightly around his abdomen. As he grew, the cable tie had become increasingly taut. After being freed, rescuers found he was twice the size of the circumference of the tie. He was checked over by the RSPCA officers, before being released back to his den.
Norfolk: Toadstool, a grey seal, was admitted to RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre after being found tangled up in ghost netting. The netting had wrapped tightly around her neck, causing visible injuries. She was freed from the netting and is currently being cared for at the RSPCA centre.
West Yorkshire: A mouse was found trapped inside a discarded plastic bottle, and had sadly died, which had been thrown away on land near the River Calder at Fall Ings Road in Wakefield.
West Yorkshire: A goose was rescued from a park in Bradford with a plastic ring wrapped around his neck. He had been seen flapping in the water but was unable to move after the ring became tightly wrapped around his body. He was caught and taken to Rutland House Veterinary Hospital for veterinary treatment where the line was cut off, and was fortunately able to be released by the RSPCA soon after.
Rebecca added: “We see the impact of how dangerous litter can be, including at our wildlife centres, where animals have become entangled, or caught up in rubbish. Fishing tackle, cans, bottles, football netting and even disposable vapes are just some of the items that pose a serious danger.
“The good news is that preventing incidents like these is simple, and the public can help us prevent this suffering in the first place.”
Simple steps to protect wildlife from litter
The RSPCA is encouraging people to take small steps to reduce risk to animals, including:
Plastic bags: tie a knot in the top of bags before recycling to prevent animals climbing inside and suffocating
Plastic can holders: Cut the loops before disposing to prevent animals becoming entangled
Balloons: Use sustainable and safe alternatives where possible. Always deflate and cut balloons before putting them in the bin, as even biodegradable materials can take weeks to break down.
Sky lanterns: Avoid using them as animals can ingest or become trapped by them
Cans and containers: Rinse and empty, before pinching cans shut and cut larger containers in half where possible, to prevent animals becoming trapped or injured on sharp edges
Elastic bands: Cut before binning, as they can wrap around beaks or limbs and cause serious injury
Fishing tackle: Take unwanted line, hooks and nets home and dispose of them safely. Never leave tackle behind
Glass: Rinse and recycle carefully to prevent cuts and unnecessary harm
Disposable vapes: While the ban of single-use vapes came into effect last year, there are still many existing devices being disposed of improperly. These should be disposed of through appropriate recycling routes
Rebecca added: “Spring is a particularly important time to take action, as it falls just before peak breeding season when young animals are especially vulnerable – although please be mindful of nesting birds. That’s why we’re encouraging the public to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean, to help remove any litter that may endanger animals.
“It is also really easy to help throughout the year. By holding onto our litter until we can dispose of it safely, recycling where possible, and spending even a short amount of time clearing rubbish from our communities, we can make a real difference.”
Members of the public can also sign up to become an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, the charity’s volunteering scheme aiming to change the lives of animals for the better. By volunteering and taking action for animals in their communities, the microvolunteers taking part will not only be helping wildlife but will also be ensuring that the RSPCA’s frontline staff have more time to focus on tackling cruelty and neglect.