What began as a simple effort to tidy up streets and beaches in a Merseyside town has blossomed into a profound source of community connection and personal support. The Crosby Wombles, a volunteer litter-picking group, has evolved into a vital network where practical environmental action meets mutual care.
From Practical Clean-Ups to Personal Support
Dawn D'Auvin founded the Crosby Wombles three years ago with her friend Jacqui Armistead, with her husband Adrian offering support. Following Adrian's unexpected death from sepsis in August, the group became a crucial lifeline for Dawn. She highlights the safe space it provides, stating that people share stories and "go away better for sharing." The initiative cleverly pairs the goal of cleaner public spaces with the powerful need for social connection.
Volunteers are equipped with litter pickers, hoops, and bags and taught safe practices before heading out solo or joining organised sessions in parks, on pavements, and along Crosby beach. To maintain momentum, the group holds a monthly coffee and cake catch-up to welcome newcomers and share experiences. The core aim is straightforward: remove rubbish while giving people a reason to meet neighbours and feel part of something useful.
A Diverse Group Making a Visible Difference
The Wombles' membership spans from teenagers to retirees, with flexible routes accommodating different abilities. Eighty-five-year-old Anthea Stewart, recovering from a recent hip operation, continues to contribute with short stints on gentle paths, driven by a desire to "do a useful thing." For long-time member Janine Bowyer, the weekly routine arrived at the perfect time as an "empty nester." She regularly receives thanks from passers-by, which she says makes her "feel good and wanted."
The group's visible presence not only cleans areas but also encourages others to join or simply express gratitude. Some volunteers are motivated by protecting wildlife or keeping the beach family-friendly, while others value the conversation and the immediate satisfaction of transforming a stretch of road or park within an hour.
Restoring Confidence and Building Futures
For some members, the impact has been life-changing. Jack Dowden joined in the summer after losing his job, seeking structure and a boost to his confidence during a strain on his mental health. He wanted an activity that would provide self-worth and allow him to give back. His time with the Wombles proved so positive that he has now returned to work and proudly lists the experience on his CV as evidence of teamwork, reliability, and local commitment.
The group's remarkable work has garnered wider recognition, with nominations for The King's Award for Voluntary Service and a Keep Britain Tidy award. For the volunteers, the real reward is seen on the ground: fewer cans and wrappers, better-kept verges, and friendlier waves from neighbours.
For Dawn, who balances running the collective with teaching, the purpose extends far beyond tidiness. "My passion apart from teaching is that everybody feels that they belong to something," she explains. "That they are uniquely important." In Crosby, that sense of belonging and purpose is now found wearing hi-vis, gloves, and carrying a bucket, proving that small, repeated acts done together can restore both places and people.
