Five Valleys residents who enjoy visiting Rodborough and Minchinhampton Commons are being invited to help clear them up for the autumn as part of a special event – The Great Commons Litter Pick - on Sunday.

The event, which has been organised by the National Trust and the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee will see local residents and National Trust staff join one of two simultaneous litter picks beginning at 11am from either the Rodborough Fort car park and The Reservoir car park in Minchinhampton Common.

Participants are asked to arrive at either car park five minutes beforehand, and to register their participation in advance via Cotswolds@nationaltrust.org.uk to ensure that enough litter pickers and rubbish bags are provided.

Those taking part should also wear sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing. The event will last approximately two hours.

Ann Finlayson, Chair of the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee said: “It has been another amazing summer on Rodborough and Minchinhampton Commons, both for wildlife and livestock, and for visitors enjoying these unrivalled open spaces.

"Whilst the vast majority of visitors respect the commons and take their litter home with them, it is inevitable with so many people enjoying these popular spots over the summer that some litter has been left behind.

"That’s why, as the summer draws to a close we are teaming up with the National Trust to hold the Great Commons Litter Pick.

"We’re inviting everyone who enjoys the commons to join us and help give them a thorough tidy up to face the autumn.”

Lisa Edinborough, National Trust experience and programming manager said: “The National Trust are proud to be the guardians of Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, but we know many local residents care for these unique places just as much as we do.

"As summer turns to autumn, we are inviting everyone who has benefitted from visiting the commons over the last few months to join us and give them some love in return.

"We’re aiming to clear as much litter as we possibly can with these two simultaneous litter picks, one on Rodborough and the other on Minchinhampton Common.”

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons comprise more than 700 acres of open space, and are recognised as of national and European importance for their limestone grassland.

The National Trust has owned and maintained Minchinhampton Common since 1913 and Rodborough Common since 1937 and has an obligation to protect the landscape, ecology and archaeology of the area.