Volunteers wanted for The Great British Beach Clean: Findhorn
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
LOCAL volunteers are calling on more help with The Great British Beach Clean.
The Findhorn Village Conservation Company (TFVCC) is taking part in the national event organised by the Marine Conservation Society on Saturday, September 18 from 1-2pm at the back shore in front of the beach huts.
TFVCC director Sarah Theman confirmed all items of rubbish collected in a 100m stretch will be recorded and the data used by the Marine Conservation Society campaign, to fight for a cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean.
She said: "The data collected will consist of the number and different types of litter and debris collected.
"If you'd like to join us, please sign up via https://www.mcsuk.org/beach-cleans/tfvcc-great-british-beach-clean-18-09-2021/?fbclid=IwAR3zdf8swjbLyUmVILMShegwCO8wDql0A0N4XnDJrujoOydDyaHyOTJ88FM."
The Great British Beach Clean is a week-long citizen science event. Litter data collected drives conservation work and feeds into the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC).
This year's event will take place on beaches throughout the UK from September 17-26.
Previous year's data has been used to make a positive impact on the ocean including the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.
However, there is still so much to do to stop the litter plaguing our beaches: 425 litter items were found per 100m of beach surveyed at last year's event; 30 per cent of beach cleans last year found face masks and PPE; but there has been a 55 per cent drop in plastic bags found on UK beaches since the 5p charge was introduced.
TFVCC ask clean-up volunteers to wear clothing appropriate for the weather, sturdy gloves, and to bring litter pickers if possible.
Volunteers under-16 must be accompanied by an adult who will be asked to sign a parental/guardian consent form on the day by TFVCC.
Sarah points out that visitors and residents should deposit litter in the bins in the Findhorn beach car parks, or by taking it home if they are full.
She said: "By collecting litter that other people have left behind, been washed ashore, or that has been taken out of bins by seagulls, people can help protect land and marine wildlife and help keep the beach and bay free from litter.
"TFVCC has some litter picking equipment that can be borrowed on request by emailing findhornvcc@gmail.com at least 24hrs before visiting."
