Celebrating 50 years of Keep Wales Tidy

We’re making the start of our 50th anniversary year at the National Eisteddfod.

At the 1972 National Eisteddfod in Haverfordwest, the WI had a mission to keep towns and rural areas across Wales clean and tidy. Their passion and determination to protect the environment from litter in post-war Britain led to the formation of the Keep Britain Tidy group and later the Keep Wales Tidy campaign from which the current Keep Wales Tidy charity emerged.

We have come a long way since then.

For half a century, we have been creating spaces that feel safe, clean, and green; we have inspired generations of children, raised standards in environmental excellence and fostered links with global partners. In the face of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution, we have developed programmes and projects that support positive sustainable action.

This is a proud moment for the WI. To have been part of creating an organisation that has done so much for the local environment across Wales and to be able to celebrate together at a time when the WI continues to have a focus on the projects like the national heritage tree project and climate change is a great honour.

Eirian Roberts
NFWI Chair, Wales

Keep Wales Tidy holds a special place in the hearts of many people and communities across Wales, and as I come to the end of an incredible 12 years at the helm, I am incredibly proud of the work that my team have delivered to make Wales a better place to live. But there is always more work to do. I know that I am leaving it in the hands of a world class team, and I would ask you to continue to support them in achieving our vision.

Lesley Jones
Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy

Although 2022 is a year which continues to challenge our well-being and our way of life, it also brings with it a growing understanding of the Wales that we want to live in and an opportunity for us all to work together to deliver a beautiful Wales for now and for the future.

Be part of the next 50 years. Read our Beautiful Wales strategy to find out how you can be involved in caring for this remarkable country.