Paragliders rally volunteers for White Horse litter pick

Paragliders will be swapping the skies for the hillside this month as they take part in a community litter pick at the Westbury White Horse. 

Members of the Avon Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, often seen soaring above the landmark, will come together on Sunday 13th April to help clean up the popular beauty spot.  

Nev Almond, who has been hang-gliding and paragliding at the White Horse for 46 years, is one of the organisers of the event.  

He says the litter pick has been organised as part of a collective desire to give back to the local community which has been so welcoming to him and other paragliders. 

Nev said, “For over 50 years we’ve seen the popularity of Westbury White Horse grow with mostly families and day-trippers, but also model flyers, dog walkers, cyclists, kite flyers, walkers, bird watchers, picnickers, carers and their supporters. 

“Even the same ice cream man has been with us since the 1970s. It’s a complete community mix that works well, and for us pilots it’s a privilege to ‘fit in’ and be part of it, so thank you. We do know that our presence is enjoyed and we want to help and be part of looking after the amazing local asset that is Westbury White Horse.” 

The Avon Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club is working with Wiltshire Council for the litter pick. The council’s partner, IdVerde, is providing bags, gloves and mechanical pickers and will collect the rubbish shortly after Sunday 13th. 

Nev said, “The club has done a number of litter picks in previous years but the significant area – around one square mile – would benefit from more people and better coverage – ‘more hands make light work’. We usually have around 25 people at the litter picks, but boosting to around 100, or more, would be really good.” 

The event has been praised by local councillor Suzanne Wickham who represents Ethandune, in which the White Horse is situated. 

Suzanne said, “I would like to thank Avon Hang Gliding and Paragliding club for their litter picking efforts. Residents from Bratton often collect litter on their walks around the White Horse but a large, organised litter pick will be able to clear a significant area. 

“It is a shame that litter picks like this are necessary. If only people would use the bins provided or take their litter home with them then the White Horse area would always look clean and tidy for everyone, both those viewing it from the sky and for walkers on the ground.” 

For anyone looking to join the litter pick on Sunday 13th April, head to the south-west corner of the car park ahead of a 9.20am briefing. The litter pick itself will start at 9.30am. 

All necessary equipment and guidance will be provided – you just need to turn up. 

If you intend to come, please send an email to westbury.litterpick@outlook.com so the club can gauge numbers – ideally adding add name(s) or just a number of helpers to the email title. 

Pictured: Nev Almond paragliding above the Westbury White Horse where the litter pick will take place