The beauty spots of the Pen Pych and Rhigos mountains in Rhondda Cynon Taf are facing a growing issue of litter and fly-tipping, according to locals. Some concerned individuals have taken it upon themselves to regularly engage in litter picking to combat the problem. A recent incident showed the Pen Pych car park coated in litter, with plastic bottles, cans, and McDonald’s food wrappers scattered around. Not only was there visible litter, but fly-tipping was also evident with bags of clothes, lampshades, and even a yellow plastic bin filled with coat hangers found at the roadside.
Deene White, a regular visitor to the area, expressed his shock and disappointment at the increasing amount of rubbish left behind by people. He shared his frustration, noting the prevalence of energy drink cans, fast food wrappers, vapes, and other waste items left in the beautiful surroundings. Despite his efforts to clean up, Deene highlighted the frustrating cycle of litter reappearing shortly after being cleared.
The issue extends beyond litter to fly-tipping, which has also become a pressing concern in the area. Deene’s regular litter-picking efforts have resulted in the collection of four bags of rubbish, revealing the extent of the problem hidden in the surrounding vegetation and hedges. He emphasized his love for the beauty of the Rhondda Valley and his disappointment in how some individuals disrespect the environment.
Management of the Pen Pych car park and surrounding areas falls under the jurisdiction of Natural Resources Wales. Phil Morgan, south west land management team leader, acknowledged the ongoing challenges of litter accumulation at Pen Pych and Rhigos. He attributed part of the issue to resource constraints affecting the frequency of litter collections and an increase in fly-tipping incidents. Efforts are underway to address the problem in both the short and long term, with collaboration from Fly Tipping Action Wales being sought.
The persistence of littering and fly-tipping in these scenic spots serves as a reminder of the responsibility each individual holds in preserving and respecting the environment. With community efforts and coordinated actions, it is hoped that the natural beauty of the Pen Pych and Rhigos mountains can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.