BMC needs your vote to secure funding to stop the toll of single use pollution on Yr Wyddfa

Access News
01 Apr
4 min read

Yr Wyddfa, one of the UK’s most treasured mountain landscapes, is under threat. Single use pollution has accumulated in its gullies, damaging the fragile ecosystem and endangering rare species.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is determined to tackle this problem head-on through the Yr Wyddfa Big Clean Up in North Wales, but we need your help to secure essential funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) - an organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring wild places worldwide.

EOCA funds grassroots conservation projects that protect fragile ecosystems, restore natural landscapes, and safeguard wildlife.  Over the years they have helped remove plastic pollution in rivers and coastlines to reforesting areas in Scotland and Sweden, as well as conserving habitats for species like bears in Italy and elephants in Thailand.  This year our project has been shortlisted, and we can bring this crucial support to Eryri, North Wales.

VOTE NOW (you will need register with your email address)

Dr Catherine Flitcroft, the BMC’s Head of Access and Conservation, speaks to the importance of this initiative:

“Despite the incredible efforts of volunteers in 2024, thousands of pieces of litter remain hidden in hard-to-reach gullies, impacting rare plant species and wildlife. This funding would allow us to expand our clean-up efforts, protect fragile habitats, and gather crucial data to push for stronger environmental policies.”

Tom Carrick, the BMC’s Access and Conservation (Wales) and organiser of the Big Clean Up, said:

“Yr Wyddfa is home to some incredibly rare arctic alpine species, however sadly single use pollution is having a negative effect both on the species and the habitat they live in, many of these species are on an elevator to extinction being pushed to the summit in an increasingly narrow area for them to survive due to climate change and damage to the land.

“The BMC with its partners are on a mission to help improve their chances, by doing clean ups in inaccessible parts of the mountain, putting pressure on government and big brands to make changes, and educating visitors on the effects they are having.”

Why this project matters

The BMC’s project aims to begin the restoration of Yr Wyddfa by:

Removing over 5,000 pieces of litter from remote mountain areas with the help of skilled mountaineers and technical rope teams.

  • Protecting endangered Arctic Alpine species
  • Engaging volunteers and local communities in hands-on conservation efforts across 10 hectares.
  • Collecting data on litter sources to support stronger environmental policies, including a deposit return scheme and a ban on single-use waste.
  • Calling on big brands such as Lucozade and Coca-Cola to do more about where their products end up.
  • Raising awareness among visitors to reduce future waste and protect Snowdonia’s fragile ecosystem.
  • Conducting long-term surveys (2025-2026) to track habitat recovery and ecological improvements.

How can you help?

Your vote is essential in securing this funding and making this project a reality. Here’s how you can support:

  • Visit EOCA’s website: www.eocaconservation.org
  • Find Project Yr Wyddfa Big Clean Up, Wales
  • Click to vote and help us secure the funding
  • Share this with friends, family, and fellow outdoor lovers – every vote makes a difference

EOCA has funded incredible conservation projects across the globe - now, with your help, we can bring this vital support to Yr Wyddfa.

The public vote will take place from 31st March (12:01hrs BST / 13.01 CEST) and will run until the 14th April (12:00hrs BST / 13.00 CEST).

VOTE FOR THE YR WYDDFA BIG CLEAN UP (you will need to register with your email)

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