OUR VALUES.​
 

As individuals our values are a fundamental part of us: in essence, they define us. They represent what matters to us, how we behave, what we hold close. They are our moral compass when faced with difficult decisions. While the world revolves around us, they are what we measure ourselves by. For all the reasons that values are important to you or I as individuals, they are important to us as an organisation. They are the same guiding principles and they actively influence how an organisation behaves, from big ‘strategic’ decisions to the day-to-day stuff.

 

At their heart, and ours, these values are a product of collaboration between TFT HQ, The A-TEAM and The TRASHMOB since day one. Each and every rider, runner and roamer amongst us should identify with them, and feel comfortable and confident enough to share with their trail communities.

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We;

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 ARE RIDERS, RUNNERS AND ROAMERS. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

 

The outdoors in the UK isn’t always an inclusive place. Society in general isn’t always an inclusive place. Trash Free Trails is and always will be. 

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 RESPECT OUR VOLUNTEERS ABOVE ALL ELSE. THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE   CHOSEN TO DONATE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO OUR CAUSE IS A HUGE   HONOUR AND RESPONSIBILITY.

 

We know that your free time is possibly the most valuable thing you can give. We will never forget that, nor take it for granted.

 

 ARE NATURE CONNECTORS AND SPARK MAKERS.

 

We care about trash because we care about nature. We care about nature because we're connected to it, part of it. It is the most natural thing in the world to want to take good care of it, but not everyone shares that sentiment. Our biggest opportunity to make a difference: not just reducing trash, but creating that spark for more people.

 

 ARE ALWAYS POSITIVE AND SOLUTION FOCUSED; WE WILL NEVER USE   BLAME, SHAME, GUILT OR AGGRESSION AS A TACTIC.

 

Trash is an emotive subject. We are passionate about what we do. It’s natural to feel anger towards those who spoil our wild places. We want to change behaviours, though. Labelling people as litter louts or demonising them does not change behaviour, even if it makes us feel a bit better for a little while. We would rather focus our efforts on positive action: at an individual and community level.

 

 BELIEVE THAT NO SINGLE THING IS ‘RESPONSIBLE’ FOR THE LITTER ISSUE. IT   IS A SYMPTOM OF HUGELY COMPLEX, INTERCONNECTED SYSTEMS.

 

So what IS the answer then? There is no one answer. The reason person A thinks it’s okay to leave a dog poo bag at the side of the path is different to the reason person B lobs a Lucozade bottle into the hedge. We need to tackle every aspect of the litter issue from education to working with the corporations who make the fizzy drinks who’s bottles end up on the trail. And, of course, doing our individual bit to remove trash from our own trails.

 

 CELEBRATE EVERY SINGLE VOLUNTEER ACT, HOWEVER ‘BIG’ OR ‘SMALL’ IT   MAKES AN INCREDIBLE DIFFERENCE.

 

Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. Millions of small acts make a bigger difference than a few ‘big bang’ activities. Every time we remove an item of rubbish from the trail we make a difference.

 

 COMMIT TO LEAVING A POSITIVE TRACE EACH TIME WE VISIT OUR TRAILS AND  WILD PLACES

 

We’ve all heard of the saying ‘leave no trace’. For us it’s not enough to simply not litter. We want to make a positive impact by removing the results of other’s careless actions, sharing what we have done with our community. We want people to know where we've been! 

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 ENCOURAGE AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO DIO (DO IT OURSELVES!)

 

As an organisation, we are about action. We will not achieve our mission simply by talking. We and everyone who joins our cause will be the ones who make a difference. We can encourage, coach, empower and inspire others. Ultimately, only we can Do It Ourselves.

 

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TOGETHER, WE ARE TRASH FREE TRAILS.

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