A group of climbing instructors based in the Symonds Yat area have organised a two day spring clean at Yat Rock.

Graham Hassall, of Summit Mountaineering, and Bob Thomas, of Contour Outdoors, have been working with the land owners, the Forestry Commission, to put together the clean up and are hoping to attract about 30 climbers to help.

Yatfest is taking place on April 1st and April 2nd.

The first day will concentrate on climbers clearing the routes of vegetation and also picking up any litter which may be there. Thomas said:?“Litter is not a really bad problem but in such natural surroundings even one crisp packet stands out. The main task will be to climb the routes, clearing vegetation as they go and inspecting for loose rocks. There is a similar event at Tremadog in Wales every year which attracts climbers from a wide area.”

Symonds Yat Rock is one of the most popular crags to climb in this area and attracts hundreds of climbers every year. It is in an idyllic setting, with a great variety in rock features, but over time nature reclaims the rock, and brambles and other growth needs to be tackled.

The first day of Yatfest will start at the café at the viewpoint, there will be a head count and safety briefing. After a quick revision of any skills the climbers will set off, non climbers will be able to join in with a litter pick around this area.

The following day workshops in climbing skills will be organised in response to what is requested by climbers on the day.

The first 30 people to arrive on April 1st will receive a goodie bag supplied by Trekitt.

For more information, or to register your interest, email Thomas at [email protected] or Graham at [email protected]