“It is now clear our actions are having a significant impact on the world’s oceans. They are under threat now as never before in human history. Many people believe the oceans have reached a crisis point.”
David Attenborough
Looking back over the year at snapshots of our community beach cleans, it has reminded me not only of the vast amounts of litter that we have removed from the beach but the wonderful individuals and families that have turned out to help. Whether a resident or a visitor we all share a common cause to look after our beach and prevent further litter and waste entering or returning to the ocean. The younger generation have been the most impressive with their knowledge and determination to clean up, protecting the environment they love whilst proudly dressed in their ‘No Planet B’ T shirts. Well done to those parents and grandparents for instilling a love of the natural world and our beautiful planet and the resolve to do something about it.
Personally, I have always found beach cleaning to be a very positive experience, despite that it has opened my eyes to the wide-spread problem of plastic pollution. It can also stir up feelings of anger too ‘what kind of person would just leave that there?’ or ‘why can’t they take home what they bring down?’ plus ‘what is happening to our local seals or dolphins in the bay?’ But the satisfaction of seeing an area cleared and the rubbish taken off the beach makes us feel energised and a reminder that we are making a positive difference, however small.
I would like to offer a very big thank you to all those who have spent time cleaning the local beaches and footpaths, whether in an organised group or as an individual. These efforts have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated by residents and visitors alike. A special mention must go the Steve, Simon and their team at the Lookout who have enthusiastically supported every beach clean over the last of years also generously providing prizes for the sandcastle competition which celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee. Titled ‘A Castle for a Queen’, there were some marvellous entries. With upwards of 5000 individual items of plastic pollution per mile of beach in the UK, the need for beach cleans has never been greater.
With that in mind, the final beach clean of the year was on Saturday 31st December (postponed from the Wednesday because of bad weather). It was followed by festive mince pies and drinks at The Lookout. There was a great turnout despite the still not-so-great weather and the mulled wine afterwards was much appreciated!
Our grateful thanks also go to Ali, Steve, Geraldine and Megan at the National Trust for their help in facilitating the beach cleans. Keep a look out for 2023 beach clean dates!
Lesley-Anne Nolan 2022