As part of Keep Britain Tidy’s #GBSpringClean campaign, one trustee of the League of Friends of South Petherton Hospital has been picking up litter from the local lanes, to make a difference today and for generations to come. I’ve even carried a car exhaust back home. Give me strength… literally.

When people litter along our hedgerows and ditches, it can have detrimental effects on local nature and the environment. Why? Because littering introduces non-biodegradable materials such as plastic, glass and metal into our natural ecosystems – leading to pollution and environmental degradation. 

Wildlife can become entangled in litter or mistake it for food, resulting in injury, suffocation or death. Indeed, as I was running from Martock towards the hospital, my attention was taken by two ducks swimming in ditch water amongst plastic – it was heartbreaking and infuriating.

Additionally, litter can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and waterways, contaminating ecosystems and threatening the health of plants, animals and humans alike. 

The presence of litter can also detract from the aesthetic beauty of natural landscapes. However, due to the relatively limited use of our roads and lanes by pedestrians and cyclists, I suggest that very few residents of Kingsbury Episcopi, Shepton Beauchamp, East Lambrook, Over Stratton and more, actually know how much litter is lying in the countryside surrounding our community hospital.

The presence of litter offers a glimpse into some of the food and drinks that are consumed locally. What we see in particular are lots of empty fizzy drinks and alcohol cans or plastic bottles, crisp packets, chocolate and biscuit packaging, and plastic food cartons. Basically, highly processed foods which are detrimental to health. All of which contribute to high blood pressure due to their high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Not ideal.

High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, primarily through its damaging effects on blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. The South Petherton Community Hospital is a centre of excellence in rehabilitating patients who have experienced stroke. Therefore, it’s kind of crazy that the local environment is polluted by litter from ultra processed food that is linked to high blood pressure that is linked to stroke, you get my point.

“Over half of all strokes and heart attacks in Somerset are caused by high blood pressure. Many people will have no symptoms of the condition, often termed the ‘silent killer’, but it can lead to serious health issues.” 

Our Somerset.

Lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking also increase the risk of stroke, as well as other lifestyle and environmental factors – not just the food types I’ve noted above.

Now, I noticed all the litter enmeshed in our physical landscape as I was running around the lanes. I run a lot as I’m training for a marathon – to raise money for the Stroke Association. I’m aware that physical exercise can be tricky in rural environments like South Petherton for several reasons. For example, the lack of pavements and safe walking or cycling routes, coupled with uneven terrain and hilly landscapes, can make outdoor activities less accessible and potentially hazardous. Moreover, rural areas often lack well-lit spaces and security measures, which can discourage individuals from exercising outdoors, especially during darker hours. I often see one chap running with a head torch at dark, but he’s the exception. However, it’s important that our local community gets more active and grabs opportunities to exercise in ways that they enjoy.

Back to trash talk; why be a litterbug? Some may choose to throw litter from their vehicles for various reasons. One factor could be a lack of awareness or consideration for the environment and the impact of littering on natural landscapes and wildlife habitats. Hard to believe, but maybe. Individuals may perceive rural areas (their home) as less populated or monitored, leading to a sense of anonymity and impunity for their actions. Others may litter due to convenience or laziness, preferring to dispose of waste quickly without considering the consequences. Furthermore, a disregard for social norms and community values regarding cleanliness and environmental stewardship may contribute to littering behaviour. Any more suggestions? Please let us know at the League of Friends.

I think that it’s beyond rubbish to have the hospital’s environment trashed by litter!