Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the dates for Shetland's 26th annual Voar Redd, with the main weekend to take place 27th and 28th April 2013.
Originally launched in 1988, Da Voar Redd Up quickly became the largest community based voluntary clear up throughout the UK, with over 20% of Shetland's population regularly volunteering for the event. Last year 4,849 participants volunteered more than 10,000 man hours to collect over 56 tonnes of bruck from roadside verges, beaches and coastline.
Sita Goudie, Environmental Improvement Project Officer with Shetland Amenity Trust, commented: “Last year Da Voar Redd Up reached its quarter century and attracted its highest volunteer numbers to date; showing the incredible volunteering spirit there is in Shetland. What has been achieved through Da Voar Redd Up is quite incredible, with over 1500 tonnes of bruck being removed from our countryside. Groups which participated last year should be receiving registration forms soon. For those who have not taken part before, or individuals who would like to join a group in their area, please contact the Trust or log onto the Voar Redd Up website for further details on how to get involved.”
As well as providing an opportunity for the community to get together to improve their environment, taking part in the Redd Up can raise funds for local groups through sponsorship, and businesses and schools can earn points towards environmental schemes and awards. This year, for the first time, Young Scot card holders can also earn points through the Young Scott Reward Scheme.
Shetland Amenity Trust supplies all gloves and bags for the Redd Up, and takes away all the bruck collected, free of charge. Bruck goes to the SIC Waste Management Facility, where statistically only 10% of waste is Landfilled, making the Redd Up an even more environmentally friendly initiative.
The Shetland Amenity Trust website has many new features for this year's Redd Up, including downloadable posters and online registration for new groups: www.shetlandamenity.org/da-voar-redd-up. For further information on the Redd Up, contact the Shetland Amenity Trust on (01595) 694688 or e-mail info@shetlandamenity.org.