People who use a popular beauty spot near Exeter for outdoor pursuits and activities are being urged to get involved with a litter picking and tidying-up event on January 27
Walkers, hikers and climbers of all ages who enjoy Chudleigh Rocks (south side) are invited to join in with the voluntary clean-up event on Sunday, January 27 from 10am until 4pm.
Keen climber Nick Baron, who is Store Manager at Taunton Leisure on Exeter’s Fore Street, is organising the litter pick. He explained: “Everyone is welcome to come along and help out with this event in whatever way they can but we’re particularly keen to get some experienced climbers involved to help clear unwanted vegetation from the routes as well as any litter, so we can give the area a good tidy-up too.
“We need them to ‘climb and clean’, as many of the easier routes have some vegetation that can be removed while actually climbing them. If the weather is good, this should give people the chance to get a bit of a climb in as well as helping out, which is an added bonus.
“We’re hoping lots of people from the walking and hiking community join us for this event and, also, anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and wants to help keep the area litter-free.
“There are several areas that need work on them, some bits are fine for all comers, such as litter picking at the base of the crag and, also, across the top where the general public walk around, as well as removal of vegetation at the base of the crag at ground level. Other areas will require the assistance of experienced climbers, for example, abseiling down harder routes to clean vegetation, particularly ivy, from the less popular lines.
“We’re happy to provide bags, litter picking sticks and industrial-strength gloves for people to use and, also, free tea, coffee and soft drinks for helpers.”
Chudleigh Rocks, which is close to Exeter, is one of the best crags in Devon and it, and the surrounding area, represent a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
“Made up of compact limestone, Chudleigh is exclusively a traditional climbing venue and it holds a special place in my heart,” says Baron.
“It’s a great place to learn to Trad climb. I did many of my first Trad leads there and still go and repeat the crag classics nearly every year.
“Hopefully lots of climbers will come on the day to help with the litter pick and tidy-up, so we can help keep the area in good condition for people to enjoy for generations to come.”
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