Mountain clean up comes to the UK

British outdoor enthusiasts have been offered the chance to take part in a clean-up operation aimed at clearing rubbish from the mountains, outdoorconservation.eu reports.

The 'Respect the Mountains Envirotek Mountain Clean Up' is a Europe-wide scheme which calls on volunteers to clean up rubbish from walking routes on their local mountains, before rewarding them with a series of free activities.

In its first UK-based venture, the scheme is now set to head to the Peak District - where walkers, ramblers, cyclists and other enthusiasts are being called upon to lend a helping hand. Other events taking place this summer include ones in Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The first operation will take place near Bamford, where teams will meet to collect rubbish and other waste. Those who get involved will then be rewarded with a barbecue and a range of activities to take part in after the clean-up - including canyoning, caving, climbing or mountain biking.

The event will take place on Sunday 5 August.

Speaking to grough.co.uk of the event, a spokesperson from sponsors KEEN explained: "Popular mountain destinations are becoming increasingly in need of on-the-ground action to clear them of waste in order to maintain their natural beauty and enjoyment for generations to come.

"Through last year's Envirotek initiatives, more than 500kg [of] rubbish was cleared in 445 hours across four European countries, with some of the more unusual items collected from their efforts including a US Army oil barrel from World War Two. Envirotek gives people the opportunity to give something back to their environment while enjoying some playtime in the great outdoors."