Caru Cymru project wins award for innovation

Our Caru Cymru project took one of the top honours at last week’s ‘Celebration of Rural Wales’.

We received the award for innovation in recognition of our growing network of Litter Picking Hubs, Litter Free Zones and the trials we’re running at a local level to test new solutions to important environmental issues.

The awards were part of a two-day Celebration of Rural Wales at the Royal Welsh Showground. The event provided the opportunity to look at the achievements of projects that have benefited from the European Union’s Rural Development Programme (RDP).

It is very appropriate as RDP support comes to an end, we celebrate the great work and efforts of individuals, groups and organisations across Wales in making the most of this funding to help people and communities. There have been many successful projects and I want to congratulate each and every one of them, including the four receiving awards at the Celebration of Rural Wales event, for the important contributions they have made. As we develop a truly Welsh approach to the rural economy going forward, it is crucial we learn from these projects and build on them.

Lesley Griffiths
Rural Affairs Minister

Caru Cymru (a Welsh phrase meaning ‘Love Wales’) is our biggest ever initiative to eradicate litter and waste, working in partnership with every local authority in Wales. It aims to inspire everyone to take action and care for the environment.

Since the launch of Caru Cymru in March 2021 we have:

Created 150 Litter Picking Hubs
50 Litter Free Zones are up and running with more than 100 in the pipeline
Run three national campaigns to tackle lockdown litter, dog fouling and roadside litter
Organised two clean-up campaigns involving more than 20,000 volunteers
Launched a campaign toolkit full of free downloadable resources
Trialled new interventions to prevent litter and reduce waste in almost every local authority

I’m over the moon that Caru Cymru has been recognised for this prestigious award. I’m incredibly proud to be part of an initiative which brings people together, and provides the tools, innovation and support needed to make a positive difference to our environment. Of course, none of this would be possible without the commitment of our local authority partners and the ongoing support of Welsh Government.

Lesley Jones
Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive

Be part of the #CaruCymru movement

Caru Cymru is not an exclusive club – everyone can join in. Visit our Caru Cymru Hub to find out how you can join the movement.

Learn more

Caru Cymru has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.