The Peak District Pick & Play takes place near Hathersage on Sunday 13th May. This popular annual event combines rubbish collecting with free outdoor activities for all participating volunteers. The idea is that teams spend half a day hunting litter and the other half having fun.

Instructed activities on offer include climbing, a ranger-guided nature walk, abseiling, bushcraft, orienteering, weaselling and a navigation workshop.

"The Peak District National Park is Britain's oldest and busiest park and every year it is visited by many millions of people from all around the world" explains event organiser Paul Lewis of outdoor provider Peak Mountaineering.

"Most users take great care to ensure it is is well looked after and it is a stunning place to enjoy, but we do have a growing problem with litter and you really don't have to look too far to see all sorts of rubbish left behind by picnickers or carelessly tossed from car windows."

"As one of the Peak District's biggest and longest established independent outdoor providers, Peak Mountaineering wanted to do something about the problem and so, 5 years ago, the Pick & Play was born. This unique event invites volunteers to help clear up the national park and then we use our instructional expertise to offer a range of outdoor activities."

Last year over 120 participants took part in the event, which is free to enter, collectively clearing around 140kg of rubbish. Paul hopes to increase both tese numbers in 2018.

"The event is very much a team effort and we partner with the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers and also enjoy support from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Peak Region" he says.

"We are also generously helped by clothing specialists Rab along with welcome assistance from Nikwax, Osprey Europe, Hydroflask and several local businesses. The event is also supported by many members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors."

All participants will be issued with protective gloves and a litter grabber, and all collecting groups will be accompanied by the experienced Peak Park team to monitor safety.

"Come and join us for some Peak District National Park TLC and have fun trying something new" says Paul, "Your National Park needs you!"

The event is open to families, couples, individuals and groups. The exact location will be announced to participants nearer the time.

To register (it's free) see here