Loving Where You Live: Celebrating Our #OutdoorTown Heroes

We’re thrilled to announce, we are developing our brand-new section, “Loving Where You Live,” dedicated to showcasing the incredible people and initiatives that make our #OutdoorTown such a special place to call home. As we build this section of the website, we thought we would take a moment to shine a spotlight on two fantastic groups who truly embody the spirit of community pride and caring for the environment around us. These individuals are our #OutdoorTown Heroes: the Padiham Litter Pickers and the Ightenhill ‘Grot Grabbers’.

They often say that home is where the heart is, and these two groups are deeply invested in the overall health of our surroundings. Week after week, in all weathers, they take to the streets, parks, and pathways of Padiham and Ightenhill, armed with their litter pickers and bags, diligently collecting the discarded waste that can sometimes leave a mark on our beautiful landscapes, ensuring our green spaces remain enjoyable for everyone and our local environment stays healthier.

The Padiham Litter Pickers are a well-established and respected group, known for their consistent efforts across the town. They meet every Thursday at 1 pm at the Clitheroe Street Car Park and pick their way along Burnley Road as far as the Gawthorpe Hall entrance, then make a return pick down the opposite side, back to their start point. They also meet every Saturday at 1 pm, litter picking in different parts of town. From the thriving town centre to the quieter residential areas, their presence is a reassuring sign of community pride in action. Their dedication not only improves the aesthetic appeal of Padiham but also prevents harmful pollutants from entering our waterways and ecosystems.

The Ightenhill ‘Grot Grabbers’ name may well be tongue in cheek, but it certainly reflects their determination to tackle even the most neglected and litter-ridden spots, with as many as 10 bags of litter collected each week. As part of the Friends of Ightenhill Park, the ‘Grot Grabbers’ maintain the cleanliness of the park and the surrounding area, including all roads leading up to Gannow Top. They get together every Thursday from 9 am to 11 am to carry out their vital work.

The efforts of the two groups also have a ripple effect. By visibly caring for our #OutdoorTown, they inspire others to be more mindful of their own waste and perhaps even join their ranks. They set a powerful example for younger generations, demonstrating the importance of community spirit and “Loving Where You Live.”

Why get involved?

Getting involved with the Padiham Litter Pickers or the Ightenhill ‘Grot Grabbers’ is a fantastic way to actively contribute to the beauty and health of our #OutdoorTown. It’s a chance to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for our local environment, but it’s also a great boost for your own health and wellbeing, offering fresh air, gentle exercise, and the proven mood-lifting benefits of spending time outdoors.
Whether you can spare an hour a week or a few hours a month, your contribution will be invaluable.

How to get involved

If you are interested in joining this meaningful cause and becoming an #OutdoorTown Hero, you can find more information on how to do so under both groups’ respective Facebook pages: Padiham Litter Pickers and Friends of Ightenhill Park, with the links to these pages provided below.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Padiham-Litter-Pickers-61564632663550

https://www.facebook.com/friendsofightenhillpark