A WEEK-long litter clean is being organised along a stretch of Dorset beach after efforts to tidy rubbish from the beauty spot were hampered by the Covid- 19 pandemic.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering opportunities for families to get out and help wildlife this half term, with a ‘bubble beach clean’ at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach centre, which will run until Sunday, November 1.
Usually Dorset Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers remove around a ton of litter each year from Chesil Beach but this has not been possible due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Trust has now teamed up with Wessex Water, which has donated 25 new litter pickers made from recycled ocean plastic, to help with beach cleans.
Wessex Water will be at the Chesil Beach Centre tomorrow, dependent on weather, talking about how everyone can help protect our seas and beaches by being careful about what they flush down the toilet.
Dorset Wildlife Trust said marine litter is a huge problem on beaches and oceans around the world, with figures estimating that one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year as a result.
Marc Kativu-Smith, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Coastal Centre Manager said: “Marine litter is a real problem for wildlife and sadly we see it regularly on the nature reserve at Chesil Beach and around the Fleet Lagoon. We are delighted to now have new measures in place to keep everyone safe and are inviting small bubbles of 6 people or less to book a timeslot.
"Litter pickers will be provided, but we recommend you wear some thick gardening gloves."
Wessex Water’s Tim Stevens said: “We’re lucky to have wonderful beaches like Chesil in our region and it’s great to be part of this unique clean-up. Many people are unaware of the environmental impact of flushing items such as wet wipes, which often contain plastic and cause blockages in sewers that lead to pollutions.”
Chesil Beach Centre will also be hosting events throughout the week, including Bubble Beachcombing Bingo.
To book a slot on the Chesil beach clean call 01305 206191.
CONTACT ME
t: 01305830999
e: victoria.nash@newsquest.co.uk
twitter: @Dorsetecho
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