The 'weird and wonderful' found litter picking

Vintage crisp packets from the 1970s, stolen war medals and even weapons are among the "weird and wonderful" items found during litter picks in Plymouth. Volunteers from Clean Our Patch CIC say nothing surprises them anymore.

But for them, it is about more than clearing rubbish from streets, green spaces, woodlands and forgotten corners of the city.

Many items carry a slice of social history - objects that co‑founder El Clarke says can spark memories of "happier times".

Clarke, who runs the group with Ash Samuels, began litter picking in 2018 to help her mental health.

Today there are 46 litter picking groups dotted across the city, each aiming to run at least one event each month.

So far this year, the volunteers have collected about 4,000 bags of litter from the streets.

"We're not surprised by anything we find anymore," she said.

In 2024, the group found war medals, old coins and jewellery hidden in a pillowcase, in a carrier bag, near a former railway depot in Laira.

One month later, through the "power of social media", the items were reunited with their owner, British Army veteran Paul "Mitch" Mitchell. They had been stolen in a burglary in 2019.

Mitchell said the medals, awarded during his time serving during Operation Haven "held great sentimental value".

"One is humbled by the volunteer litter pickers who, despite challenging times, chose to return their findings and generously dedicate their time to clean up after us," he said.

Clarke said she enjoyed researching the more unusual items and she often finds herself down a "rabbit hole" discovering their history.

Among them have been: a special edition Monster Munch packet from 2001, which used to turn tongues blue; an old chemist bottle; a Brylcreem tin from the 1960s, and a KP peanuts packet costing 3p.

"It's amazing they're still intact... that these things haven't broken down and they haven't gone anywhere, they've just been lying where they were left 50 years ago," she said.

"That's the point of why we collect and keep this stuff.

"It shows a message and tells people that actually in 50 years' time, the litter that you are dropping is still going to be here.

"It's not going anywhere."

The group shares many of their finds - and the research behind them - on social media.

"People really enjoy this sort of stuff because it brings back memories.

"They look at old stuff we find and reminisce.

"It takes them back to when they were probably younger and maybe happier times for them."

Alongside the nostalgic items are less welcome discoveries.

Clarke said they regularly find "adult items", including a half‑body mannequin in a lay-by outside Plymouth.

They also came across "risky items" such as knives, needles and even a firearm in 2024 which was handed to police.

She said they typically found at least one or two knives a week.

The teams wear protective clothing, such as gloves and litter pickers, and work closely with local authorities.

Sharp or dangerous items are escalated to Clarke, who collects them and takes them to the relevant authority.

"It's important we deal with things in the right way," she said.

For Jamie, a Clean Our Patch ambassador for Devonport, it was his eight‑year‑old daughter Scarlett who got him involved after learning about the environment at school.

They have since found hedge trimmers, toasters, phones and, recently, an ancient hunting knife near a children's play park.

"It was paramount we got rid of it," he said.

Before litter picking, Jamie said he lived with depression and anxiety for seven years, and rarely left the house except for the school run.

"Since litter picking, it has boosted my confidence," he said.

"I have been unemployed for that time and it's now given me the confidence to apply for a job which I start very soon.

"It's completely lifted my spirits."

"In terms of clearing up litter, we've got to think of the next generation and what they've got to deal with.

"If we can help out a little bit, then we're doing our part."

Clarke said anyone can join the monthly litter picks - all volunteers need is a pair of gloves, and the group provides the rest.

"It doesn't matter who you are, what your background is, if you've got a disability or mental health problem - everybody is equal and welcome," she said.

"It's a really good way of getting people out in nature and out of the house."

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