Rainford's Rewilders Hit the Park: Litter Picking at Ormskirk Road Play Area
- Greg
- 13 minutes ago
- 6 min read
If rewilding has taught me one thing, it’s this: nature needs people. You can plant wildflowers ‘til your wellies leak, and your hands resemble dodgy carrots, but without community, the magic just doesn’t stick. That’s why I started Rainford’s Rewilders back in March—to get like-minded folks doing real stuff, together. And in just a few weeks? Over 120 muddy-booted, nature-loving do-gooders have joined in. Not bad at all.
Our first proper event came from a post on Facebook by the brilliant Natalie Pyke, who shared her frustration about the growing mess at Ormskirk Road Play Area. Instead of just tutting at the state of it and wandering off, she suggested we do something. And that post was like a spark to dry tinder—everyone in the group jumped at the chance to make it our first official event. Natalie didn’t just point out the problem—she became the spark that turned a grumble into a gathering. More on the legend Ms Pyke later.
I’ll be honest—I was gutted. The litter pick landed on the same weekend I was off in Yorkshire treating my better half to a birthday break. I did what I could—shared the event, rallied the troops online, picked up a bit of litter on the campsite in solidarity—but the real credit belongs to Natalie and all the amazing volunteers who made it happen.
Why Litter Picking Is a Core Part of Rewilding
Before we can plant seeds, build habitats, or dream of fluttering butterflies and scurrying cute furry things, we have to make sure the space is safe and usable. That’s why litter picking is an essential foundation of rewilding. It clears the way for both wildlife and volunteers to move freely, without tripping over takeaway boxes or encountering broken glass while scattering seeds.
Removing rubbish doesn't just improve the look of a space—it transforms the feel of it. It becomes somewhere people want to spend time and where wildlife can safely begin to return. It helps native plants get the sunlight and space they need to thrive, instead of being smothered by crisp packets or strangled by old plastic bags.
And let’s not forget the very real dangers litter poses to animals. Birds can become entangled in plastic loops, hedgehogs can get trapped in discarded tubs, and small mammals can chew on or ingest dangerous materials. Even something as innocent as a sweet wrapper can harm an animal that mistakes it for food.
By removing those hazards, we’re not just tidying up—we're creating a welcoming, safe environment where nature has a fighting chance. Plus, it makes the area far more pleasant for those doing the rewilding work too. No one wants to kneel on broken glass while planting wildflowers.
So, before anything else, we pick up the litter. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the most direct and impactful things we can do to prepare an area for rewilding. Plus, it gives the community a tangible “before and after” to feel proud of. And honestly? There’s something very satisfying about seeing a once-littered field looking fresh and full of potential again.
A Team as Diverse as the Village Itself
There was the full spectrum of Rainford represented—long-time residents, brand-new villagers, families, kids, even a few local businesses and charities. Some had lived in the village their whole lives; others were new faces eager to meet their neighbours and give something back. It was a proper showcase of what Rainford is all about—a village full of people who care.
The kids brought boundless energy and curious questions, while the grown-ups brought steely determination and plenty of laughs. It didn’t matter what age, background, or profession—everyone mucked in with the same spirit of positivity and teamwork. If you were part of the team, give yourself a pat on the back. You were lovely, thoughtful, and exactly what this village needs more of.
A Lovely Sunny Morning with Lovely Sunny People
According to the forecast for Sunday, 6th April 2025, the weather gods were smiling on Rainford (for once). With clear skies, a gentle breeze, and temperatures hovering around a delightful 14°C, it was exactly the kind of crisp spring morning that makes you want to roll up your sleeves and do something worthwhile.
While many Rainfordians languished in their dressing gowns nursing cups of tea, 18 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed volunteers gathered at Rainford Labour Club (RLC), our well-chosen meeting spot. Having a clearly marked and accessible location helped the morning get off to a smooth start—people knew where to head, who to look for, and could instantly feel part of something bigger.
The folks at RLC were the perfect hosts, offering up complimentary coffees and teas to our crew. That caffeine hit, combined with the shared buzz of doing something positive, turned a simple meet-up into something genuinely energising. As people arrived, I was told you could feel the hum of excitement—not just about picking up litter, but about connecting. Introductions were made, stories swapped, and future plans whispered for what they might tackle next.
There was something really powerful in that moment. A group of people, most of whom hadn’t met before, drawn together by a Facebook post and a shared desire to make Rainford just that little bit better. It set the tone for a morning that was about far more than bin bags and crisp packets.
One Hour, One Park, and One Epic Result
Armed with bin bags, litter pickers, gloves, and an impressive amount of community spirit, the team got stuck into the field surrounding the play area. It’s no exaggeration to say the place looked like it hadn’t seen a good tidy in months—but that only made the transformation more satisfying.
People broke off into natural little teams—some tackling the far fence line, others combing through the playground itself, and a few brave souls taking on the worst of the hidden grot under bushes and behind benches. There was chatting, laughter, a bit of friendly competition over who’d found the weirdest item, and plenty of “oohs” and “eurghs” as mystery objects were discovered.
Despite the mess, it was amazing how quickly things started to look different. With everyone pitching in, the transformation was visible in real time.
"You’d turn around, and a litter-strewn patch of ground had been completely cleared."
In just over an hour, 10 big bags of litter, a large polystyrene food container (still somehow pungent), and enough crisp packets, sweet wrappers, and takeaway boxes to make you question Rainford’s collective diet were collected.
One particularly memorable haul was the collection of scattered pram parts. No actual pram, just... parts. Enough that someone joked the group could rebuild it, sell it on Marketplace, and fund the next community project. Honestly, not a bad idea.
By the end, the park looked fantastic, and the sense of achievement was palpable. It just goes to show—give people a purpose, a litter picker, and some decent weather, and they can work miracles.
Big Shoutout to Natalie Pyke
None of this would’ve happened without the fantastic Natalie Pyke. She didn’t just post about a problem—she took the lead, rallied the troops, and kept the momentum going from start to finish.
While I was off in Yorkshire (missing out on all the fun and fish-scented polystyrene), Natalie was in full organiser mode. She posted updates in the group, kept people informed, and made sure everyone knew where to be and what to bring. She even negotiated with Rainford Labour Club to get everyone a well-earned cuppa on the house (hero) and pulled together a stash of litter pickers, gloves, and bin bags so no one turned up empty-handed.
Too many cooks can spoil the broth—but one passionate, proactive organiser can feed a whole team of volunteers with purpose and energy. Natalie, you smashed it. Rainford’s Rewilders owes you one (or several).
The Power of Just an Hour
This whole event is a perfect example of how just one hour of collective action can leave a lasting impact on a community. From Natalie’s first Facebook post to the final bag of rubbish being tied up, this clean-up showed exactly what happens when one person takes the lead, and a village answers the call.
If you’re inspired to organise a litter pick or small community event in your own patch of the world, here’s a quick guide:
Start with a post – Put the idea out there! You’ll be surprised who wants to get involved.
Pick a clear, easy meeting point – Visibility and accessibility help people feel confident joining in.
Keep the ask simple – Just an hour, just a park, just a few helpers can do wonders.
Gather supplies early – Gloves, bin bags, pickers... even borrowed gear goes a long way.
Bring a social element – A cuppa, a chat, or just a group photo makes it feel more memorable.
It doesn’t take a mountain of time or money to spark change. It just takes someone like Natalie, a bit of initiative, and a community willing to show up.
So, if you’re sitting there thinking, "Maybe we could do something like that here," this is your sign: Yes, you absolutely can. And we’re all rooting for you!
To everyone who helped—whether by turning up, spreading the word, or just cheering from a distance—thank you. You showed what’s possible with just a little time and a lot of heart.
Now... who’s got the next idea?
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