Derby City Council would like to thank residents, volunteers and partners who took part in the 2026 Great British Spring Clean, which ran from 13 to 29 March. During this period, communities across the city came together to carry out litter picks, planting projects and neighbourhood improvements.
Led by Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign encourages people to take pride in where they live. Nationally, the campaign has had a significant impact, with an incredible total of 451,887 bags of litter removed from the environment during the campaign period. In Derby, more than 30 events took place across parks, neighbourhood centres and public spaces, supported by neighbourhood teams, street cleansing crews, councillors, schools, community groups and local organisations. These events resulted in a significant number of litter bags being collected.
Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said:
The Great British Spring Clean has once again shown what can be achieved when communities across Derby come together. From litter picks to planting projects, these activities make a real and lasting difference to our streets and public spaces.
It’s been encouraging to see people of all ages getting involved and taking pride in their local area. By continuing to work together and making responsible choices, we can keep Derby clean, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
Activities ranged from community litter picks and educational sessions to planting projects that refreshed public spaces and improved local environments. Neighbourhood Boards supported several initiatives, helping transform planters and green spaces into more welcoming areas for residents.
In the city centre, teams worked in partnership with local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), volunteers and community groups to carry out clean-up activity in key locations including the Market Place, St Peters Street and River Gardens. The Public Protection Team also supported the campaign through city centre patrols, reinforcing the importance of maintaining clean, safe and welcoming spaces.
Around 75 bags of litter were collected during a community litter pick at Sinfin Moor Park and Recreation Ground, organised by Friends of Sinfin Moor Park.
These activities highlight the strength of partnership working across Derby, with communities, council services and local organisations coming together to deliver visible improvements and support cleaner neighbourhoods.
Volunteers from Friends of Sinfin Moor Park, councillors and staff take part in a litter pick at Sinfin Moor Park and Recreation Ground.
Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:
The Great British Spring Clean has shown the very best of Derby, with communities, partners and council teams coming together to make a real difference across the city.
“It’s been particularly encouraging to see strong partnership working in the city centre and across our neighbourhoods, helping to create cleaner, safer and more welcoming spaces for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Residents are encouraged to continue caring for their local areas by getting involved in community activities and working together to keep Derby clean, green and welcoming all year round.