The picturesque beauty spots of Pen Pych and Rhigos mountains in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, are facing a growing problem of litter and fly-tipping, causing distress among locals. Some concerned individuals have taken it upon themselves to conduct regular litter picking in an effort to clean up the area.
Recent photos captured the Pen Pych car park on Monday, October 14, strewn with rubbish including plastic bottles, cans, and fast food wrappers from McDonald’s. Additionally, there were visible signs of fly-tipping along the roadside, with discarded bags of clothes, lampshades, and even a yellow plastic bin filled with coat hangers. Deene White, a 62-year-old resident who frequents the area for walks with his dogs, has been actively involved in litter picking to combat the worsening situation.
Expressing his dismay at the escalating problem, Deene stated, “It’s just terrible. It seems to be a trend – most of the things I see are energy drink cans, McDonald’s wrappers, vapes, large canisters of laughing gas. It’s just unbelievable now. It’s so annoying. You can go out and litter pick but two days later, it’s back the same.”
During his litter picks in the area, Deene was shocked to discover a significant amount of hidden rubbish, including items discarded carelessly into brambles. Despite his efforts to keep the area clean, the persistence of littering continues to mar the natural beauty of the Rhondda Valley. Phil Morgan, the south-west land management team leader, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of litter accumulation and fly-tipping in the region, exacerbated by resource constraints affecting the frequency of clean-ups.
The responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of Pen Pych and Rhigos falls under the management of Natural Resources Wales. Collaborative efforts between local volunteers, authorities, and organisations like Fly Tipping Action Wales are crucial in addressing the environmental degradation caused by irresponsible waste disposal practices.
The significance of preserving these natural landscapes and ensuring their sustainability for future generations is paramount, urging all visitors and residents to adopt responsible waste management practices to protect the beauty of the Rhondda Valley.