EditorSwansea Valley volunteers praised for keeping green spaces clean and beautiful
Keep Wales Tidy is celebrating the work of My Green Valley, a volunteer‑led organisation that has organised 78 community litter picks this summer alone, clocking up more than 300 hours and removing nearly 300 bags of rubbish.
Founded in 2019, the group has quickly become one of the most active clean‑up teams in south west Wales, covering parts of Neath Port Talbot and Clydach in Swansea. Their efforts have helped transform neglected areas, improve wildlife habitats and foster a renewed sense of pride in the community.
“They love where they live”
Steve Thomas, Secretary at My Green Valley, said:
“My Green Valley is a community organisation set up in 2019 to help keep our valley clean and free of litter. My Green Valley volunteers enjoy making a difference. They love where they live, being an active part of their community, and improving the environment.”
Phil Budd, Swansea Project Officer at Keep Wales Tidy, added:
“The work My Green Valley has done this summer is a brilliant example of community action at its best. Their commitment, consistency, and care for the environment have made a visible impact across the valley. It’s groups like this that show how local people can lead the way in protecting our shared spaces.”
Two My Green Valley volunteers clearing litter from the verge of a narrow country lane in the Swansea Valley.(Image: Keep Wales Tidy)My Green Valley volunteers tackling litter on a steep hillside as part of their regular clean‑ups.
(Image: Keep Wales Tidy)
Regular litter picks across the valley
The group runs regular litter picks in communities across the Swansea Valley, including:
- Pontardawe – every Sunday (Castle Hotel car park, 9am) and every Thursday (old Tawe Bridge near the Pontardawe Inn, 10am)
- Alltwen – every other Friday (black bin day, Triangle, 11.30am)
- Clydach – first Friday of the month (Forge Fach, 10am)
- Trebanos – first Sunday of the month (rugby field, 9am)
- Gwaun Cae Gurwen – last Sunday of the month (CK’s car park, 9am)
- Ystalyfera – regular sessions announced on social media
How to get involved
Keep Wales Tidy says there are lots of ways for people across Swansea to play their part. Residents can join a local community group like My Green Valley, or borrow free litter‑picking equipment from their nearest Litter Picking Hub to do a tidy‑up in their own time.
The hubs and community clean‑up activities are part of a nationwide initiative funded by the Welsh Government. More details are available at keepwalestidy.cymru/get-involved/volunteering.
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