Northants Litter Wombles: Uniting Community Through Cleanliness

Image: Northampton Chronicle

Meet Roman Turek, a walking enthusiast turned litter-picking hero, who’s been inspiring his local community in Northamptonshire to come together in the fight against litter. Roman’s journey began back in July 2021 when he joined the Northants Litter Wombles, a group dedicated to preserving the environment and strengthening community bonds.

Roman’s love for nature walks was the catalyst for his litter-picking journey. Disheartened by the sight of litter marring his beloved walking trails, he decided to take action. His commitment to the cause led him to the Northants Litter Wombles, a group of like-minded individuals committed to cleaning up their local environment.

Roman’s passion for the cause is infectious. He spends every spare moment and weekend litter picking, even venturing out after work during the spring and summer months. His dedication is so profound that he often tackles treacherous areas single-handedly, such as the abandoned railway in his area and the litter-laden woodland in Delapre.

Roman’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Alison McClean, a committee member, describes him as an “awesome Womble”, recognising his tireless work in collecting hundreds of bags of litter in the Delapre Park and Far Cotton area.

But Roman’s vision extends beyond just cleaning up. He initiated an annual picnic for the Northants Litter Wombles, providing a social setting for members to come together, share experiences, and foster stronger community ties. The latest gathering took place at the end of August, despite the windy and cloudy weather, and was hailed as an “amazing” day by Roman.

Roman believes that litter picking not only helps preserve nature but also has a positive impact on mental health. He explains, “I’m with people, in the fresh air and nature, and everything that troubles you goes away.”

Through his actions, Roman Turek and the Northants Litter Wombles are showing that everyone can play a part in protecting the environment and building a stronger community. Their story is a testament to the power of collective action and the positive impact it can have on our local areas.