Wacky new game livens up lockdown ... and spruces up Sussex countryside

Neil Linnert hit on the idea of picking up litter - and scoring ‘points’ depending on what the litter is - while on a walk near his home in Pease Pottage.

Neil, who works as a hairdresser in Lindfield, said: “I was walking down a local lane and felt sad at all the rubbish festering everywhere.

“As I picked up other people’s shame, I got more and more into it and started to notice all the abundant fauna and sparkling flowers, trees and textures that I’ve walked past hundreds of times.

“Midway through retrieving a gin and tonic tin from an aggressive bramble bush I had a eureka moment and thought ‘What if everyone cleaned up a little bit near their locality?’ - then we could give back to nature by taking back what shouldn’t be there.”

By the end of two mornings Neil had two huge refuse sacks. “I felt a massive sense of gratitude for living in such a beautiful part of the world and feel more connected to that little lane.

“I thought turning it into a game was a fun element and I wanted to do something positive for Earth Day, which was also my 40th birthday (April 22).”

If you would like to play, here’s how: At the start of your walk, nominate a scorer. Have one plastic shopping bag per team, per walk.

Use protective gloves. Only pick up litter if safe to do so. Maintain social distancing.

The game ends when the normal walk ends. Recycle your hoard.

How to score: Paper or card: 10 points; Plastic bottle: 20 points. Crisp packet: 30 points. Tin can: 40 points. Unbroken glass bottle: 50 points. Any other litter: 10 points.

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