Got any plans this weekend? Take part in the Great British Beach Clean (even if you’re not near a beach!) between 18th and 25th September…
Marine Conservation Society (MCS) hosts the Great British Beach Clean annually in September and, despite new covid regulations, they state there’s no reason why you can’t take part wherever you live.
MCS is emphasising the importance of taking part this year due to the additional impact of the coronavirus pandemic on plastic. MCS claims that it’s more important than ever to build a snapshot of the litter that is harming our environment, both inland and coastal.
Even if you don’t live near to a beach, MCS is inviting volunteers from across the UK to pick up and record litter inland which will often make its way to the coast.
Source to Sea Litter Quest is a subset of the Great British Beach Clean and is equally as important as 80% of beach litter originates from towns, rivers and parks.
Socially distanced beach cleans
Both MCS and BSAC would like to emphasise the importance of adhering to local and national government guidelines and restrictions when taking part in the Great British Beach Clean or Source to Sea Litter Quest.
In order to stay safe and follow the rules, remember to:
- Gather in groups of no more than six
- Stay socially distanced from people other than your household
- Use gloves, litter pickers (if you have them), and regularly wash or sanitise your hands
Litter picking isn’t just for September
We know clubs and members organise their own beach cleans throughout the year and are socially conscious of the impact of litter on our environment. BSAC CEO Mary Tetley said:
For obvious reasons, there have been far fewer opportunities this year to arrange beach cleans and underwater litterpicks. So, if you’re able, we would like to encourage our members to go out this weekend to help make a difference. Or, if not this weekend, whenever you can.
Embrace BSAC’s Marine Clean ethos by pledging to be a five-a-day single-use plastic picker or doing underwater litterpicks while on a dive!
Download Great British Beach Clean resourcesDownload Source to Sea Litter Quest resources
BSAC's Marine Clean ethos
As scuba divers and snorkellers, we see first-hand the impact of litter, and other factors, have on the marine environment, not only in our seas but on the beach and coastline.
