Da Voar Redd Up returns this April

Published: 23 March 2023

Back for its 36th year, Da Voar Redd Up is Shetland’s most successful annual community beach and roadside spring clean-up.

Da Voar Redd Up (DVRU) which is managed by Shetland Amenity Trust will take place next month from 22– 28 April 2023, and you can sign up now.

Rory Tallack one of the organisers behind the DVRU campaign said: “DVRU is always a highlight in the Shetland calendar with over 200 groups and 4,500 volunteers giving up their time to take part. The Redd Up is a fantastic community activity and makes a real difference to protecting Shetland’s natural environment and wildlife, especially at this time of year when there is a lot of debris washed up by the winter storms.

 “Following data we collected after last year’s Redd Up, it was apparent that the most common finds continue to be plastic bottles and other plastics; fishing and aquaculture waste; food and drinks cans; and glass bottles. Sadly, there were also several dead birds reported as a consequence of bird flu. And from time to time something more unexpected does turn up – in 2022 a pair of men’s underpants was found; as well as five learner driver stickers and a message in a bottle!”

DVRU is open to everyone in the community. Redd Ups are usually undertaken by groups, such as families, schools and community groups. Anyone keen to join in but isn’t sure how is encouraged to get in touch with SAT organisers who will help put them in touch with a group.

To sign up simply register online via the SAT website and choose a Redd Up location, which also means that the organisers can ensure that different groups are not cleaning the same places. Bags will be provided and during registration there is the option to specify a roadside collection of bags after the Redd Up.

Folk are encouraged to look out for unusual items during their clean ups, such as Mermaid’s Purses, and log them with the Shark Trust, as the information gathered will help inform important research.

Please remember to tag Shetland Amenity Trust with any photos you share online using #dvru2023

We would like to thank all volunteers and organisations supporting Da Voar Redd Up 2023, including Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Charitable Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Enquest Sullom Voe.

To register online go to the SAT website; or email info@shetlandamenity.org, or leave a message on 01595 694688.