STACKPOLE’S outdoor learning team swapped lessons for litter picking this winter as they recently completed a clean-up of Castle Pond in Pembroke.

The National Trust staff, who run Stackpole’s outdoor education programme, were inspired to conduct the clean after hosting a series of canoeing sessions on the pond in 2016.

“We canoed at Castle Pond throughout autumn with our school groups as our usual venue was too shallow following the dry summer and early autumn,” said Ben Macare, Stackpole’s education officer.

“It’s a great venue to use and all our groups have enjoyed canoeing there, but all mentioned how much litter there was,” he continued.

Having spotted wildlife on the pond such as kingfishers, little grebes, herons, cormorants, swans and moorhens, the team dedicated their time to clear the area and do their bit for the local community.

“We spent an afternoon canoeing around Castle Pond, picking up litter from the harder to reach areas.

“We collected four bags of rubbish and two large buckets of cans, bottles and glass.

“Throughout autumn and during our litter pick we received very positive comments from the public saying how nice it was to see groups enjoying the pond – we were glad to be able to do a little bit to improve the area,” Ben added.

If you’d like to get involved, the National Trust will be hosting a half-term beach clean at Freshwater West on February 22 between 11am and 1pm. Find out more about Stackpole’s education team at nationaltrust.org.uk/stackpole-outdoor-learning-centre