Keep Wales Tidy

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Keep Wales Tidy (Cadwch Gymru'n Daclus) is a Welsh charity that aims for a clean, safe and tidy Wales. It works with local councils, schools, community groups and other organisations to achieve this.

It began in 1972 as a government-funded campaign and was linked to Keep Britain Tidy. In 2000 it became a separate charity, fully independent by 2005. It now works with various partners but is not formally tied to Keep Britain Tidy.

In 2008 it started a Fair Trade policy, buying items like coffee, tea and biscuits from Fair Trade suppliers; even staff T-shirts are Fair Trade.

Projects:

- Tidy Towns: The Welsh Government gives grants to local authorities for Tidy Towns Officers. Keep Wales Tidy also offers grants to groups to cover tools, equipment, publicity and training to improve their areas.

- Schools: The programme works with children and teaches sustainability. Students can earn Bronze, Silver and Green Flag awards.

- Beaches: There are three beach awards: Blue Flag, Green Coast and Seaside Award. The awards focus on environmental management and water quality, and can be withdrawn if standards fall.

- Blue Flag: high standards for water quality, cleanliness, management and safety. In 2011, 41 beaches and 5 marinas won Blue Flags.

- Green Coast Award: for more isolated beaches with fewer facilities; focuses on water quality. In 2011, 47 beaches won.

- Seaside Award: for beaches that meet minimum standards. Two types: resort beaches (with facilities such as lifeguards, toilets, car parks; dog access may be limited) and rural beaches (fewer facilities; an information board shows nearby facilities). In 2011, 104 beaches won Seaside Awards.

- Partnerships: Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru) contributes through its Green Sea Partnership.

- Campaigns: Keep Wales Tidy ran the I Will for Wales / Fe Wnaf dros Gymru campaign at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham in 2011.