Home / Environment / Dovedale Beauty Spot Overwhelmed by Litter as Volunteers Fight to Keep It Clean
Dovedale Beauty Spot Overwhelmed by Litter as Volunteers Fight to Keep It Clean
24 Aug
Summary
- Dovedale, a UK nature reserve, sees rising litter levels
- Volunteers forced to pick up soiled nappies and other trash
- Litter harming local wildlife
As of August 24th, 2025, the picturesque Dovedale valley in the UK's Peak District is facing a growing litter crisis. Managed by the National Trust, this beloved nature reserve attracts over a million visitors annually, but the influx of people has led to a surge in discarded waste.
According to the National Trust's data, the average number of litter bags collected per day in Dovedale peaked at 4.6 in 2020. While the situation improved in 2023, with an average of just 1.04 bags per day, the litter levels have started creeping back up over the past two years, reaching 1.52 bags per day in 2024 and 1.92 bags so far in 2025.
The trust's efforts to combat the problem include handing out bags to visitors as they arrive, but volunteers are still being forced to pick up soiled nappies and other unsightly trash, which is harming the local wildlife. Officials are now urging visitors to do their part in keeping Dovedale looking its best.
