For years, I have spent countless hours litter picking around the local nature reserve and nearby agricultural farmland. It breaks my heart to witness the endless fly tipping that mars our beautiful landscape. The time and effort it takes to clean these areas are significant, and it is time that farmers, who devote their lives to feeding us, do not have. They should not be burdened with the additional pressure of dealing with these dumped waste piles, especially when they could contain harmful and dangerous materials requiring specialist removal.

Fly tipping is not only an eyesore but a threat to our environment. It poses dangers to wildlife, pollutes the soil, and can have a devastating impact on farming activities, which are vital for our local communities and our food supply. Farmers are often left to clean up the mess, leading to a loss of valuable time and resources when their primary focus should be on agricultural productivity.

Local councils must be held accountable for ensuring these public lands are kept clean and safe. By developing a more robust plan and dedicated resources for fly tipping removal, these councils can greatly enhance the quality of our environment and support the well-being of our natural habitats.

We call upon our local councils to take responsibility for removing fly-tipped waste from all agricultural farmland and nature reserves. Implementing regular inspections, increasing fines for offenders, and providing easy access to recycling and waste facilities can make a significant difference in combating this issue.

By taking these steps, we can protect our cherished landscape, preserve wildlife habitats, and allow farmers to do what they do best — provide for our community without the added strain of unnecessary waste management.

Please join me in urging our councils to act now. Sign this petition to advocate for cleaner, safer farmland and nature reserves. Every signature brings us closer to a solution.