Councillor Geoffrey Blunden standing by a sign saying Help Maintain The Best Litter Score in the Area, there is an inset image showing a score of 83%
New Forest District Council (NFDC) has reintroduced an anti-littering campaign on the A35.
The campaign covers a 5-mile stretch between part of the A35 (near Wilverley Enclosure) to Lyndhurst.
Scoreboards have been placed showing the area’s percentage litter score and the grade according to DEFRA’s grades of cleanliness.
The litter rating ranges from A (good) to D (bad) with an overall percentage score on display based on how much litter is on the roadside.
The higher the score, the less litter.
The project, running until September, discourages people from throwing litter from their vehicles by taking part in the game of getting a good litter score.
In 2024, NFDC trialled a 10-mile pilot along the A35 to influence littering behaviour from vehicles. This year, NFDC is trialling a shorter, more targeted stretch of roadside.
Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said,
“We are really looking forward to seeing positive outcomes from this engaging project once again. Especially as the last project achieved a measured 75% reduction in roadside litter along the stretch.
“The game section is a route through some of the most protected areas of the Forest where damage to plants and wildlife from litter, microplastics and chemicals could have a much wider, lasting impact.
“If we can all act together, we will keep a good score and support a greener future.”
Find out more about NFDC’s ‘Look Out For Our Forest’ project at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3529/Look-Out-For-Our-Forest-LOFOF
