We’re removing litter bins from some forests across the country, to help protect our beautiful natural environment. You can help us care for the forests you love by taking your litter home with you. Find out more about where and why we’re doing this and what else you can do to help keep the nation’s forest litter-free.
Why we're removing litter bins
We love forests and we’re passionate about caring for them. Litter bins often cause problems. They can quickly become mixed with different types of waste, may be vandalised, or fill up faster than we can empty them. They attract wildlife, especially when litter is left on the ground nearby, and animals can mistake litter for food, harming themselves and spreading waste across the forest.
Litter spoils our landscapes, can fuel wildfires, and can stay in the nation’s forests for hundreds of years before it breaks down, damaging natural ecosystems.
Each year, we welcome millions of visitors who enjoy exceptional experiences in these beautiful spaces - from walking and cycling trails to wildlife watching and family adventures. We currently spend hundreds of thousands of pounds annually on waste management alone.
By removing bins and asking our visitors to take their litter home with them, we can redirect our limited time and resources into keeping the nation’s forests thriving, for this generation and the next.
How you can help keep forests litter-free
Many responsible visitors already help protect our forests by:
- bringing a bag for their rubbish.
- taking litter home to recycle.
- bringing re-useable items, such as water bottles and food containers.
By taking your litter home, you’ll also help protect wildlife, preserve habitats and stop litter being spread by wind or animals.
Together, we can keep our forests clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.
Planning a trip to the forest? Remember to pack a bag for your rubbish – it’s an easy way to help keep the nation’s forests beautiful.
Changes at our sites: what you need to know
While most bins are being removed, we’re keeping some in key areas to support all visitors.
Bins will still be available in:
- cafe areas (for cafe customers only).
- public toilets and baby changing facilities.
- some locations for dog waste.
Please use the bins provided responsibly and for their intended use only. Improper waste disposal can result in hefty fines or collection refusal - money we would rather invest in caring for the forest. Thank you for helping keep our nation's forests clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Further information about litter bin removal
If you have any questions about these changes that haven’t been answered here, read our frequently asked questions to find out more.
