trashfreetrails – James Mackeddie

Pocket Plogging

Many of us don’t like to run with packs unless they’re necessary for storing kit & when we do, we want things as minimal/stripped back as possible After all, who wants a run with a fridge on their back? Plogging, litterpicking, picking up stuff – where do you store your finds? – bumbag, hand bag…

More than words – We need action

More than words This bottle was discovered as seen, between bracken & needles, slowly becoming part of the micro ecosystem, as wrapper begins to curl, inks & dyes loose their clarity, the clear plastic & cap loosing their identity There’s no telling whether this was dropped by accident, on purpose or through naivety I took…

104 – My #1BagChallenge

104 6.2 miles around the Longslade Trail yesterday with the core team at Woburn Bike Trails, walking the mtb singletrack, inspecting & auditing for future works Gloves & a bag in hand, I was hoping the @trashfreetrails #1bagchallenge would be just that 10 litres was clearly insufficient – a 10 litre dry bag, bagel bag (edible not bikepacking)…

Trash Free Trails Spring Trail Cleans are GO!!

Calling our #TrashMOB all over the globe, the long awaited Trash Free Trails Spring Trail Cleans are GO! The clocks have changed, longer daylight hours are now here and the weathers more summer* like⁠From the ramblers, hikers & walkers, to the runners, ultra aficionados & multi day madmen, to the shredders, big air fans & freewheelers –…

TRASH FREE TRAILS ANNOUNCE SPRING TRAIL CLEAN 2022

Litter (or as we prefer to call it, single-use pollution) can feel overwhelming How often have you stopped at a beauty spot, paused at the side of a trail or just looked down while walking along only to have your enjoyment of the time and place shattered by the sight of crisp packets, plastic bottles…

Rider, Runners & Roamers Wanted

Want to join a community in 2022 doing all we can to embrace, enjoy & take care of our trails & wild spaces? Collating data while taking responsibility for the places we love? I’m not one for New Years resolutions. To me, the turn of the year isn’t a blank slate, it’s a continuation of…

2021 – The Year I Felt Loss

It’s been a wild year I can’t recall much of it, much has happened in the latter half that my brain remains pretty slow & useless a lot of the time. My fathers passing in September has effected me deeper than I could have foreseen & Christmas Day was draining at times, emotions for all…

The Winter Solstice – There is still light out there

By: jamesmackeddie December 20, 2021December 20, 2021

blogdepression, mens health, mens mental health, mental health, mental health awareness, mental health support, my black dog, my black dog charity, my black dog co, support, trash free trails, trashfreetrails, winter, winter solsticeLeave a Comment

The seasons have changed and we find ourselves here on the shortest day of the year, with many areas of the Northern Hemisphere with a handful of hours of light at most. Now, I know for some of us, the prospect of night rides, runs and walks is a bonus – empty trails, less wildlife…

To the Marshals

By: jamesmackeddie August 1, 2021

blogcycling, marshal, marshall, mountain biking, race, racing, running, trail running, trail running review, trails, trash free trails, trashfreetrails, ultra running, volunteer, volunteeringLeave a Comment

Thank you marshal Often heard projected under varying volumes by racers around the world, as lungs struggling to supply muscles with adequate oxygen, are expelled to thank those that stand at the sidelines in order to allow others to enjoy organised events. They’re out before many will reach the event village or stage start, reliant…

Trash Free Trails release Spring Trail Clean 2021 Impact Report

Spring is in full flow, trails are hardening up after the dark months of winter, wild flowers blanket wild spaces, bringing new life and colour, as the trees adorn themselves with blossom and leaves. Life has returned. April is the start of the season for Trash Free Trails, the time of the year that we…