Bute Wombles was set up during the Covid 19 outbreak on the 13th June 2020. I noticed while out on walks how much rubbish was being left lying around and decided too do something about it. I have always loved the outdoors and have always tried to help maintain our Countrysides and woodlands either through conservation groups or solo practices in keeping with our country code. Im also a Herbalist and was taught campcraft and survival by Ray Mears in East Sussex in 1989 as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award and involvement in Operation Drake run by the Fairbridge Drake society.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairbridge_(charity)

I learnt alot from my grandfather William G A Hatton who was a countryman and worked for Bute Estate as a gardener after ww2 . I've worked as a Park Ranger in 1997-99 and also a Tour Guide for Mount Stuart House in 2001-2004 I'm trained as an Electrical Engineer 87 and currently for past 3 years worked for Bute Island Foods as maintenance electrician, I also gained SVQ 7 in Social Care and Abuse, psychology and sociology as well as working with adults with learning difficulties.

I also have Hidden Disability called Asperger Syndrome which I was diagnosed with in 2005 which is why I studied a HNC in Social Care and Abuse in an attempt to better understand myself.

I have had problems with depression and anxiety over the years which is where the great outdoors has helped me as well as several copping strategies I've learnt over the years and recently through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

I had a Motorcycle accident Jan 2019 and had to have reconstruction surgery on my right shoulder which I'm still recovering from which unfortunately prevents me from returning to BIFs and working on the tools. I have Pysio every day and go for walks and cycle rides I feel fit and able to return to lighter duty. As a volunteer so I pick rubbish up from our country side.

I've registered my group with Clean Up UK which Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Rothesay is President of im also in contact with other Womble groups up and down the country. Litter Action UK have helped us get the ball rolling with information and training I've needed such as legal implications and the Law. We are also members of Keep Scotland Beautiful who donated us some equipment from Helping Hands and Coca-Cola this equipment is to be used in my community so other people Schools, collages.....can help!

 I'm not shy of hard work and have plenty of determination we still need alot more equipment and need finance for insurance, internet, advertising, poster campaigns.....ect

 I've recovered many skills needed in running a group covering it's legal aspects, organisation, funding, risk assessing, health and safety, and generally the passion too get tasks done on budgets and time scales with the minimum amount of hassle and maximum efforts.

I'd also like too say in my statement im  trying to create a job for myself in keeping with my health and passion but also to help other people in my community with mental health and learning disabilities as I believe having focus, and adding purpose too your life especially outdoors in the country helps with wellbeing and general health
Meeting others and working together, motivates and helps to give purpose back to those that have had little or none! myself included here.

Aims and Objectives

Our Aims are to clean up the streets, parks and forests of discarded litter creating a healthier environment for our children to grow up in and a safer place for our wildlife. Also giving those of us who struggle with mental health and additional needs a purpose to feel proud of our achievements.

We have recently been recognised as a hard working group by Keep Scotland Beautiful and we have been made a Litter Action Hub for the area which you will find on local councils information and environmental groups, so far there are three of us Fay and Ceira myself Lance they also have disabilities and relevant training. In 2020 we remained active and kept our countryside clean which we was awarded certificates of recognition via Keep Scotland Beautiful and the royal horticultural society for excellence in rising up to tackle the surge of litter during a difficult time.

Lance 

Chief Organiser

Founder