Four new monthly plogging groups are being launched by Planet Earth Games in Newham, Wembley (both London), Bristol and Exeter this month. Plogging is an activity that began in Sweden, combining jogging and picking up litter. Groups will meet every third Sunday of the month in key locations, to get active and improve the local environment.

The first gatherings will take place on Sunday 17 December at 10am, each covering less than 5k and taking no more than one hour. Groups are being led by qualified co-ordinators who will provide all litter picking equipment and lead the groups.

Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, but only to arrive wearing appropriate clothing for walking, jogging or running. Participation is free, but people are urged to register beforehand via this site.

The Newham event will start at Stratford Park and will take in Romford Road and West Ham Park, it is led by local co-ordinator Mahbubal Alam. Across town, the Wembley event will be led by former GB international runner Jo Ankier and will begin at Brent Civic Centre covering a two mile route round Wembley Park.

The Bristol event will be led by experienced local activity co-ordinator Claire Petrie, starting and finishing at a route of three miles starting and finishing at Horfield Leisure Centre. Meanwhile, the Exeter group will meet at Station Road Car Park (behind Exeter St David’s) a cover a 4k route led by Lee Cusick, also Chair of South West Road Runners.

Chris Broadbent, Founder and CEO of Planet Earth Games said: “Plogging is an activity that is core to our charity. We passionately believe in the symbiotic relationship between human health and environmental health. Plogging enables people to make an immediate difference in taking climate whilst also supporting their active wellbeing.

“We are grateful to our partners at People’s Postcode Lottery, London Marathon Trust and England Athletics for helping us bring this programme to life.”