Dates announced for Voar Redd Up

This year’s Voar Redd Up, the 22nd since the event began, will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April.

The Redd Up, organised by Shetland Amenity Trust, is the largest community-based voluntary clear up throughout the UK, per head of population, with over 4,000 volunteers regularly registering with the trust for the event.

Last year more than 60 tonnes of bruck from roadside verges, beaches and coastline was removed and disposed of. More than 230 clean-up sites were chosen by volunteers spanning all parts of Shetland including every inhabited isle.

The Redd Up makes a significant impact on the visual amenity of Shetland and the vast majority of bruck collected consists of marine litter, left from the winter storms. This category is usually the most lethal in terms of presenting hazards to all wildlife including livestock, sea birds, marine creatures, fish, seals, otters and many others. Over the years volunteers have collected more than 1,150 tonnes of bruck.

The bruck is collected by the amenity trust’s environmental improvement squads and taken to Rova Head where statistically only 10 per cent of waste goes to landfill, with the remaining being recycled or sent to the waste to energy plant, making the Redd Up an even more environmentally friendly initiative.

The event is also a fund-raiser for local groups, through sponsorship which can contribute to running costs or fund special trips or events.

Amenity trust environment project officer Mick Clifton said: “The trust can supply all gloves and bags needed and, if appropriate, a skip. We also issue comprehensive safety guidance and details of how to avoid disturbing nesting birds and take away all the bruck collected free of charge.

“It could not be easier to get involved – just contact Shetland Amenity Trust to register and we will send you a form asking for your details.

“We make up individual Redd Up packs for all our registered volunteers and keep them up to date with regular mailings. Don’t worry if you do not have an area to clear as we can find you one which maximises the benefits to the environment.”

The amenity trust issues 15,000 recycled plastic refuse sacks during the period and over 4,000 pairs of gloves, and deploys three, and sometimes four, crews to collect the bruck for safe disposal or recycling from all parts of the isles.

In a new development this year, the main poster, which adorns more than 400 notice boards throughout Shetland, will contain an image donated by local photographer Mark Sinclair of PhatSheep Photography. His distinctive style has won him many awards, both locally and nationally.

BP Sullom Voe is again acting as main sponsor, for the ninth consecutive year, with the SIC providing assistance through waste management services and Rova Head.

To register contact Mr Clifton on (01595) 694688 or e-mail reddup@shetlandamenity.org to receive paper free registration details.