Great British Spring Clean 2026: A Year of Community in St James

By Sharna (St James)

The Great British Spring Clean 2026 brought a fresh sense of purpose to St James this year, as the St James Community Action Team proudly marked not only their participation, but their one year anniversary as a group.

With equipment kindly borrowed from Exeter City Council, the team set out with enthusiasm, having shared and publicised their plans across the community. What followed was a wonderful coming together of people from all walks of life.

Residents and students gathered in Devonshire Place Orchard that is well cared for by local residents. Some familiar faces who’ve been part of the journey for the past year, and some completely new. One participant discovered the group through Devon Connect, while another joined after seeing university communications. It was a perfect example of how community spirit continues to grow in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Working in pairs, long-time residents teamed up with newer attendees, creating connections as they worked side by side. Together, they collected an impressive ten bags of litter, helping to restore and care for their local environment. One of those bags contributed to the “Cans for City” scheme at Exeter City Football Club, ensuring that even small efforts fed into a bigger cause. This particular cause uses the cans to raise money for our local community club.

Among the day’s finds was a bee-patterned glass, rescued, reused, and rehomed, symbolising the group’s ethos of sustainability and care.

More than just a clean-up, the day was a celebration. For 12 months, the St James Community Action Team has been bringing people together: keeping active, staying connected with neighbours, and sharing local news through initiatives like the St James Community Builder newsletter and the various What’s App Groups in St James. Their mission remains simple yet powerful, look after each other and keep the neighbourhood looking lovely.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who took part, to Exeter City Council for their continued support, and to Community Builder Natalie, whose energy, organisational support, and positivity (not to mention the sunshine!) made the day possible.

Here’s to one year of community spirit and many more to come.

See you at our next clean-up!