The recent spell of continental summer weather has made it so much more inviting to get out and about. When hot sun shines in Llanberis, for example, there is no shortage of outdoor fun, from hillwalking and climbing to open water swimming in Llyn Padarn - recently designated Wales’ first freshwater bathing lake with ‘excellent’ water quality. When the weather delivers 'summer' it brings a higher footfall to the area. It's all great for local tourism of course, but unfortunately the influx also tends to leave evidence in its wake, in the form of picnic debris, litter and dog mess.

The key is to make sure that locals and visitors alike are doing their best to help popular places like Llanberis cope with the impact of increased use. To keep this beautiful mountain area clean we all have to take some responsibility. This year there's an opportunity to pitch in and help clean up. On the back of successful UK events held in the Peak District and Lake District in 2013 the international Envirotrek Clean Up Series 2014 comes to Llanberis on 17 August.

This year is the sixth consecutive season of the Envirotrek Clean Up Series, which takes place across various European destinations including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and France.

Envirotrek gives people the opportunity to give something back to their environment while enjoying some playtime in the great outdoors. 

The Llanberis event is a joint effort from the European non-profit organisation Respect the Mountains, local mountain activity providers including RAW Adventures (that's me), volunteers, families and other organisations that believe in spreading the word about keeping our playgrounds clean.

On Sunday 17 August, Llanberis will host an Envirotrek day for the first time.

‘Base Camp’ will be at The Heights pub on Llanberis High Street. It kicks off at 10am with a morning’s local clean up activity and walk led by local leaders.

The recent hot weather has seen many people using the shores of Llyn Padarn for parties, picnics and BBQs, so hopefully we can help clear the lake shore of litter and debris. The clean-up session will be followed by a (litter-free) BBQ back at The Heights.

As a reward for the morning’s efforts the afternoon is set aside for participants to enjoy a choice of outdoor activities run by local providers: canoeing on Llyn Padarn, a high ropes course, or climbing and abseiling. Before the day wraps up at around 4pm there will also be a chance to win some great prizes, and gifts for the best or most interesting litter found.  

Ultimately, this event is intended to highlight the vital ‘leave no trace’ principle, and to spread the word to as many people as want to hear it! There is no harm in us all remembering from time to time what it is we love about our outdoors, and what we can do to help keep it special. For example, Respect the Mountains promote seven ways in which we can sustain the use of popular mountain areas: Book smart, Travel wise, Support sustainable practices, Be a respectful mountain tourist, Leave no trace, Reduce – reuse – recycle – upcycle, Spread the word...

Envirotrek 2014 is sponsored by KEEN Footwear, Barefoot Wine and Bergans of Norway.

• Entry for the day (including lunch, activity, and event t-shirt) is £9 adults, £4.50 under 12s, with all the money going towards running the event.
• A second Envirotrek event will take place in the Lake District, 24 August
• For more information or to register for either day see here