Sir, Having purchased the local copy of the Observer last week, I could not fail to see how this pandemic is affecting your publication; along with the devastating impact (commercially) it is having on our area, we are truly fortunate to be isolated within west Wales to lesson the physical impacts that the virus is having on so many communities.

Living where I do (Begelly), I am one of many fortunate people who can continue to access our beautiful countryside for recreational exercise; which I do by cycling and running. I am able to access major roads, minor roads and country lanes; along with public foot paths.

It is devastating for me to witness the sheer volume of discarded rubbish in the form of litter, not fly-tipping. Verges, gutters, kerb sides, hedgerows all strewn with litter in the form of bottles (plastic and glass), cans, packaging in all shapes and forms. The volume for some will be incredulous; alas not for me, as I, like many others witness it on a regular basis.

The images are an illustration of the volume that I collected on Monday on a verge no more than 50 metres long near my home; taking me no more than 30 minuets. I suffered embarrassment and disgust in equal measure. Winter reveals it and now sadly the spring growth is slowly concealing it again, it does not rot!

It is sad that this pandemic has stopped the movement of people to our area. I do pray that the new ‘normal’ will be one where people respect their natural environments, take care of nature; after all this virus is a natural biological occurrence encouraged by how we live? The ramblers must cry out in anger at what they see.

I raise this concern for the future; but not my future, but that of the future of our young people whose futures we are all guilty of blighting?

Michael D Smith,

Begelly.