Loch Lomond: More than 1,000 bags of litter cleared from Loch Lomond National Park in just one month

A jaw dropping 1,203 bags of rubbish have been collected from Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in the month of April alone.

Staff from the National Park Authority, local councils and communities gathered together to “get a head start on the issue” ahead of the parks’ busiest months.

The focus was primarily around the A82, a traditional trouble spot for litter.

Lay-bys, verges and undergrowth along a 15 mile stretch from Duck Bay to Tarbetstretch were monitored and cleared of all rubbish by the team.

Loch Lomond: More than 1000 bags of litter cleared from Loch Lomond National Park in just one month

416 bags were lifted from this section alone.

West Dunbartonshire Council also organised an A82 clean up from Barloan Toll roundabout in Dumbarton to Stoneymollan roundabout above Balloch.

Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “We have dedicated staff time right through April to help clean the National Park up before the influx of visitors we are expecting this summer.

Loch Lomond: More than 1000 bags of litter cleared from Loch Lomond National Park in just one month

"We’ve seen a big difference already with visible improvements on the A82 in particular.

"Despite this effort from our staff, partners, local businesses and communities, there is more to be done, so we are calling on everyone to take responsibility for respecting and protecting this special place.

“As well as being a serious threat to the National Park’s wildlife, litter impacts local communities and affects visitors’ enjoyment while they are here. Coming out of lockdown, the benefits that people get from spending time in nature are more important than ever.

“We have significantly increased our resources on the ground for this season, with additional bins, toilets and staff to help tackle the issues we saw last year.

"But simply dedicating more and more resources to clearing litter up isn’t sustainable, or the answer long term.

"We have laid the groundwork with a big push on tackling litter but we want our Rangers to be on the ground helping people, not picking up after them.

"By bagging up their litter and taking it home if bins are full, visitors can play their part by leaving no trace of their visit.”

Visitors are being encouraged to share positive examples of how they dispose of their litter in the National Park on social media by tagging the National Park Authority @Lomondtrossachs.

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