Redditch is set to lead the way in a new grassroots movement to take fresh pride in Britain's streets and public spaces. On Saturday 25 July 2026, the town will host the first-ever Make Britain Beautiful Community Action Day — a hands-on morning of litter picking, weeding and sprucing up the town centre.
The initiative, founded by Redditch residents Claire Bullivant, Mike Rouse and Emma Marshall, is calling on local people to roll up their sleeves and make a visible difference on their own doorstep. Volunteers will gather from 10am outside Acts of Kindness at 24 Church Green East, before splitting into teams to tackle Church Green and the surrounding areas.
What volunteers will be doing
Once teams have been organised, they will take on a range of practical jobs aimed at brightening the heart of the town. The work includes weeding around the Redditch Foodbank car park, litter picking across Church Green, clearing weeds from public spaces and cleaning public signs so the town centre looks its best. Organisers are keen to stress that no contribution is too small — every pair of hands will count.
A movement born in Redditch
Make Britain Beautiful was created by three local residents determined to turn civic pride into practical action. Its aims are straightforward: to encourage pride in the local area, to support the businesses that keep the town centre alive, and to empower residents to improve the neighbourhoods they call home.
Co-founder Claire Bullivant said: “We're delighted to be launching the first Make Britain Beautiful Community Action Day right here in Redditch and incredibly grateful to Redditch BID for supporting the initiative.”
She added: “This is about local people coming together to make a visible difference. Whether you can spare an hour or the whole morning, we'd love to see you there. Small actions can make a huge difference when a community pulls together.”
Fellow co-founder Mike Rouse said: “People often tell us they want to see cleaner streets, better-maintained public spaces and greater pride in our town. This is an opportunity for residents to be part of the solution and make a real difference in their local area.”
He continued: “We want Make Britain Beautiful to become a positive movement that brings communities together and shows what can be achieved when people take ownership of the places they care about.”
Co-founder Emma Marshall added: “Redditch has a fantastic community spirit and we hope people of all ages will come along and get involved. This is about working together, meeting new people and helping make our town centre look its very best.”
Organisers say this is only the beginning. As the first official Make Britain Beautiful action day, they hope it will prove to be the first of many, with similar community projects rolled out across the country in the months ahead.
Backed by Redditch BID
The day is being supported by Redditch BID, whose Manager, Muj Rahman, welcomed the initiative.
He said: “Redditch BID is proud to support this community action day as part of our ongoing commitment to creating a cleaner, safer and more welcoming town centre. This initiative aligns closely with the BID's priorities of enhancing the visitor experience, supporting local businesses and encouraging greater community pride in Redditch.”
He added: “It's inspiring to see residents, volunteers, businesses and local organisations coming together to make a positive difference. By working in partnership, we can help create a town centre that everyone can be proud of. We would encourage anyone who can spare some time to come along, get involved and play their part in shaping a better Redditch for everyone.”
How to get involved
Everyone is welcome, whatever their age or experience. Here is everything you need to know:
- Meeting point: outside Acts of Kindness, 24 Church Green East, Redditch
- Date and time: Saturday 25 July 2026, from 10am
- What to bring: gardening gloves, litter pickers, buckets, cloths, towels and any other useful equipment you have at home — though volunteers without any kit are still very welcome. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.
Whether you can spare a single hour or the whole morning, Redditch's first Make Britain Beautiful Community Action Day is a chance to meet your neighbours, get some fresh air and take real pride in the town you call home. Come along on Saturday 25 July, lend a hand, and help make Britain beautiful — one community at a time.