Trail running offers an unparalleled connection to nature, allowing us to immerse ourselves in breath-taking landscapes and challenge our limits. However, with this privilege comes a responsibility to protect the trails we love. Litter, whether it’s a forgotten gel wrapper or a discarded plastic bottle, doesn’t just mar the scenery — it has devastating consequences for wildlife and the environment.
Why clean trails matter
Litter left behind on trails poses a grave threat to wildlife. Animals are frequently found dead after becoming trapped in discarded plastic or glass containers. Birds, small mammals, and even larger species often mistake these items for shelter or food, leading to injuries, starvation, or poisoning.
A shocking statistic from Trash Free Trails’ latest report shows that 81% of litter found on the trails is single use pollution. 33% of litter collected on trails is drinks containers. This figure highlights how significant beverage-related pollution is in the outdoors and underscores the urgent need for preventative measures.
Dom Ferris, co-founder of Trash Free Trails (TFT), stresses the urgency of addressing this issue: “What we’ve started to realise, and what’s backed up by other studies, is, a pretty significant number of small mammals are dying from entrapment in the drinks containers that we’re finding.”
“Glass bottles or any open bottles are really great places to go in, firstly they’re seeking shelter, or they’re hunting out the high energy liquid still at the bottom.”
“We’re in the middle of a biodiversity crisis. The mice and shrews we’re finding a lot of are keystone species in the ecosystem. What’s most upsetting and angering about this is it’s completely unnecessary.”
A nature disconnect
Litter on trails isn’t just a physical problem; it’s a powerful indicator of our society’s disconnection from nature. Single-use pollution, often seen as a convenience in modern life, reflects how distant many people have become from understanding the impact of their actions on the environment.
Dom Ferris of Trash Free Trails explains: “The single-use pollution that we encounter on our trails and the places we love is a symptom of disconnection, like self-harm. If we can address that – create connections – we can kind of turn that negative feedback loop around. The way we do that is to reconnect people to nature. The simple act of removing single-use pollution from the places you love, especially in groups, builds community, and positivity, and connection”.
A history of Trash Free Trails
Founded in 2017, Trash Free Trails began as a grassroots initiative to tackle single-use pollution on trails and wild spaces. Today, it’s a movement uniting runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts in the fight against litter.
The organisation’s approach combines education, clean-up events, and “citizen science,” where volunteers document the types and locations of litter they collect. This data informs strategies for reducing pollution at its source and strengthens the case for systemic changes like DRS.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): a step forward
One of the most impactful solutions to trail litter is the introduction of deposit return schemes (DRS). These programs incentivize people to return used beverage containers, such as plastic and glass bottles, by offering a small refund.
Dom is a staunch advocate for implementing DRS nationwide in the UK, recognizing its potential to reduce litter at its source, and as of last week, the UK government have laid the regulations for a Deposit Return Scheme in 2027.
Deposit return schemes not only encourage people to recycle, but also place value on what might otherwise be seen as waste. If we can reduce the number of bottles and cans on the trails, we’re protecting wildlife and preserving the beauty of our outdoor spaces.
Countries with well-established DRS programs, such as Germany and Norway, have achieved recycling rates above 90%. Dom believes the UK has the potential to replicate this success, significantly reducing trail pollution and its harmful effects on ecosystems.
Don’t be a gel end
Single-use gel packets are another common source of litter on trails, often unintentionally dropped during races or training.
Dom says: “Next year, we’re going to be beginning a grassroots survey to assess whether our fellow trail users are as angry about the fact that we find a lot of gel ends on our trails, and whether they think that gel companies should do more to prevent that.”
“The thing is, there is a solution to it: a number of gel companies use a retention strap. We’ll be asking [people] whether they would be willing to put their signature towards a petition to encourage gel companies to all adopt this retention strap, because it’s very, very tricky / near impossible to not drop that gel end if you’re using the product as they promote it, as they market it, it’s very difficult to not litter, which is a breach of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.”
How trail runners and roamers can make a difference
As frequent users of trails, runners have a unique role to play in keeping them clean.
Here’s how:
- Be prepared: carry a small bag on your runs to collect any litter you see along the way. It’s a simple act that can make a significant difference.
- Support Deposit Return Schemes: advocate for the implementation of DRS. Use your voice as a runner and nature lover to support any policies that prioritise environmental protection.
- Participate in trail clean-ups: join or organise clean-up events in your area. Collaborate with organisations like Trash Free Trails to amplify your impact.
- Choose sustainable products: opt for reusable water bottles and biodegradable energy product packaging. Support brands that prioritise sustainability. Take any of your own single-use packaging home with you and dispose of it carefully.
- Get involved with Trash Free Trails: submit your trash data online. Dom says “All of the data we’ve got is from citizen scientists and volunteers. Go on the website home page and ‘Report your trash data’. It takes one minute to do.” You can also get involved with their team of volunteer ambassadors, or become a community hub if your club has a bricks and mortar meeting place.
Instagram: @trashfreetrails
Facebook: Trash Free Trails
Website: www.trashfreetrails.org
Why keeping our trails trash free matters
The impact of litter extends far beyond the trails. By taking responsibility for our actions and advocating for systemic changes like deposit return schemes, trail runners can play a crucial role in protecting these spaces for future generations.
Dom’s wish for the future is clear: “We’re completely, really reliant on the donation of time and talent and passion of volunteers who love their trails. So please get in touch if you feel like you’d help us try to achieve our mission of cleaner, safer, happier, healthier trails.”
As trail runners, we can lead the charge toward cleaner, safer trails. Together, let’s ensure that the wild spaces we treasure remain havens for adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Listen to our full interview with Trash Free Trails’ Dom Ferris on the UKRunChat podcast
