Join the Marine Conservation Society for the Great British Beach Clean

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) wants to tackle the tide of litter washing up on UK shores, and the charity says they cannot do it without public support. They urgently need volunteers to take part in the UK’s biggest beach clean and litter survey, which takes place on the third weekend in September. This year, the charity has the additional support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help make the event a bigger success.

In 2014, nearly 5,349 volunteers cleaned 301 beaches. For every kilometre surveyed, a record 2,457 pieces of litter were found.

MCS Beachwatch Officer Charlotte Coombes says it’s crucial we do something to tackle rising litter levels: “Over the last decade, we’ve recorded a huge hike in the amount of litter found on our beaches – up by over 20%. We need help – and anyone can simply volunteer to take part.”

This year’s MCS Great British Beach Clean takes place on the 18th, 19th 20th, and 21st of September, and will involve thousands of volunteers taking to the beaches all and around the UK coast. They’ll clean up and record the rubbish they find.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said, “It’s really important for everyone to learn about the dangers of marine litter and I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting the Marine Conservation Society who are tackling this important cause. I would urge anyone who has the time to spare to take part in this beach clean.”

Some of our best-loved marine wildlife is under threat from hazardous litter in our seas. Hundreds of species of marine wildlife accidentally eat, or become tangled up in litter – and it’s also hazardous to people.

Find out more at www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch or telephone 01989 566017.

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