Young Delegate Rodrigo Dudas initiates a Move4Nature Gellért Hill Clean-Up Hike: What We Achieved Together
Author: Rodrigo Dudas
Saturday’s clean-up hike on Gellért Hill proved that community spirit, and a few pairs of gloves, can make a big difference. We met at the Danubius Hotel Gellért, split into small teams, and set off on a relaxed loop through the hillside trails and park paths. The goal wasn’t speed or distance; it was simple: enjoy the walk, meet new people, and collect as much litter as we could along the way.
When: Saturday, 18 October, 10:45 AM
Where: Gellért Hill & Park, Budapest
How it unfolded
After a quick briefing, teams fanned out along different sections of the hill, pairing gentle hiking with focused “spot-and-pick” intervals. The mood was friendly and light, with plenty of chatting between stops and impromptu “finds of the day” moments. The competition added just enough fun: each team tracked their haul, comparing notes at checkpoints and swapping tips on where the problem spots were.
What we found
As expected in a popular leisure area, the biggest offenders were plastic (bottles, cups, wrappers), followed by paper, cigarettes and some metal (cans and caps). Many of these items clearly came from late-night gatherings in scenic viewpoints. By the time we regrouped, teams had gathered many kilos of trash, filling multiple bags and clearing several hotspots that had been eyesores for weeks.
The eco-award
Staying true to the event’s playful side, we weighed the top collections at the finish. The winning team took home our eco-award, a small nod to big effort, while everyone shared the real prize: a visibly cleaner park and hillside, plus a handful of new hiking buddies.
Why it mattered
Litter on steep or wooded sections doesn’t just spoil views; it can harm wildlife and wash downhill in heavy rain. Removing even a few bags from repeat trouble spots helps break that cycle. Just as importantly, the hike turned “clean-up” into a social, doable habit rather than a chore, something participants said they’d be happy to repeat.
Takeaways for next time
– Micro-teams work. Small groups moved faster, covered more ground, and stayed engaged.
– Clear roles help. Having a spotter, bag carrier, and sorter kept things efficient.
– Peak-party areas need attention. Viewpoints and benches near popular paths should be priority patrol zones.
Huge thanks to everyone who showed up with good vibes and sturdy shoes. And a shout-out to the volunteers who brought spare water, helped weigh and sort the final haul, and guided newcomers along the safest routes. Your effort turned a simple Saturday walk into measurable impact.
Gloves and bags were provided but the motivation came from the participants.