The Big Barratt Clean Up project was led by The Barratt Foundation – the charitable arm of Barratt Developments PLC – in partnership with CleanupUK and took place across the UK between 15-26th April.

A team of five Barratt North Scotland volunteers set out to clean the local area, starting at the Footdee end of Aberdeen Beach and working their way up the towards Donmouth Nature Reserve.

Using equipment provided by CleanupUK and waste bags donated by Aberdeen City Council, the team successfully filled nine bags with rubbish and discarded items which are damaging to the environment – including disposable vapes, cigarette butts and wet wipes – found in high volume in the beach sand and along pedestrian areas.

Over the past two weeks, 47 teams across Barratt Developments in the UK came together in a combined effort to clear much-loved areas local to Barratt and David Wilson Homes developments.

David Palmer, Barratt Developments’ managing director for North Scotland, said: “In Scotland, we’re lucky to have many lovely beaches and outdoor spaces right on our doorsteps. However, the sad reality is that many people fail to dispose of litter and waste, which is very damaging to the environment, and an eyesore for locals and visitors alike.

“We each have a responsibility to do our bit in looking after the environment, which is why we’re delighted to have partnered with Clean Up UK on this initiative. Our team in North Scotland has made an exceptional effort to help clear the wonderful beach we have in Aberdeen, which is enjoyed by many residents from our Westburn Gardens development as well as the local community.

“As the country’s leading housebuilder, we are committed to creating a positive legacy and making a genuine contribution towards the communities in which we build our homes.”

CleanupUK is a small UK-wide charity which supports communities to come together and form locally-led litter-picking initiatives to tackle the litter problem in their neighbourhood and strengthen their community.

George Monck, chief executive of CleanupUK, added: “We have been absolutely blown away by the incredible participation in the Big Barratt Cleanup. With all 33 Barratt divisions and 47 teams signing up, Barratt Developments PLC’s employees have made a significant impact, creating cleaner, safer, and healthier spaces in their local communities across the UK, from Aberdeen to Exeter - we could not be more delighted.

“We are very proud of the partnership we have with The Barratt Foundation. It has been transformational and has enabled us to expand our CleanupUK Community Partners initiative geographically by setting up Community Cleanup Hubs (where we provide all the equipment, know-how, support, and inspiration) in some of the most disadvantaged wards across the UK.

“We want to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone at The Barratt Foundation and Barratt Developments PLC for their invaluable support and commitment. Together, we are making a tangible difference in communities nationwide.”