23 Sep 2024
A team of litter-pickers from the St Albans business community collected almost 40 bags of rubbish from an Iron Age site in the heart of the city.
Volunteers from St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, Communities 1st and STANTA (St Albans Enterprise Agency) took part in the litter pick at Beech Bottom Dyke, near Porters Wood, ahead of World Clean-up Day on September 20.
Armed with litter-picking grabbers, bin bags and high-vis jackets, the team of 18 spent two hours clearing rubbish from the site, which is a mile-long ditch believed to have been constructed by a local Celtic tribe between 5 and 40 AD.
Before setting off they found out more about the dyke from St Albans Museums archaeologist Tom Lucas, and enjoyed refreshments from The Pioneer Club.
Chamber events and marketing manager Claire Stevenson said: “It was a rewarding and enlightening few hours getting to know more of our Chamber members and wider community and learning the historical significance of somewhere we pass every day.”
“I was really impressed with how involved people got, and it was a very natural way of building a connection with members of the business community.”
Chamber marketing executive Alexandra Asanache added: “It’s always inspiring to see local businesses and community groups come together for the common good. Events like this not only help keep our district clean but also foster a stronger sense of community and responsibility. Together, we can continue making a positive impact on our environment, our heritage, and our local economy.
“Thanks again to everyone who took part — we couldn’t have done it without you.”
STANTA executive director Steve Bedford said: “We were delighted to be involved in organising this tremendous cross-community event. Beech Bottom is one of St Albans’ best kept secrets. Removing 40 bags of rubbish from such a monumentally important site was an amazing achievement.”
Businesses taking part included Understanding Recruitment, Handelsbanken, Gyoury Self Partnership, Culture Seekers, SA Law, Adooa, Clearly Education and Rayden Solicitors.
To find out more about St Albans Chamber of Commerce and other events taking place locally, visit www.stalbans-chamber.co.uk, and for details on how STANTA can help your business, visit stanta.co.uk
