MCS needs volunteers for The Great British Beach Clean
The Marine Conservation Society is looking for volunteers to join them on the beaches
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) wants to tackle the tide of litter washing up on UK shores, and the charity says it 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 2015, just over 6,000 volunteers cleaned 340 beaches, recording the largest amount of litter per kilometre – a staggering 3,298 pieces.
MCS Beachwatch Manager Lauren Eyles 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 65%. We need help – and anyone can simply volunteer to take part.”
This year’s MCS Great British Beach Clean takes place on the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th 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 the Nation’s best-loved marine wildlife is under threat from hazardous litter in UK 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.
