Volunteers turn out in force for Fisherrow beach clean

The recent event was part of Beachwatch, the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) beach clean and litter survey project, which was supported by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Conservation Action Team (CAT) and Wild about Scotland team.

More than 87kgs of rubbish was collected and those who took part got the chance to board the RZSS Wild about Scotland double decker bus to learn more about native wildlife and the harm that litter, especially plastics, causes.

Ruth Fraser, RZSS senior education officer, said: “The Wild about Scotland team were very excited to be part of a beach clean at Fisherrow. Our outreach programme is run by RZSS and supported by Clydesdale Bank, and it aims to connect communities with Scotland’s amazing biodiversity.

“It is fantastic to be part of an event where everyone can get involved in an activity which helps to protect wildlife and raises awareness of the issues surrounding marine pollution.”

Catherine Gemmell, Scotland conservation officer for the MCS, added: “Volunteers braved the rain and enjoyed the sun in a very typical Scottish beach clean and still managed to collect important data on what they found using our Beachwatch survey forms.

“It is thanks to organisations like RZSS and volunteers who support the beach cleans and help collect data that we can campaign for change to stop these items getting onto the beach in the first place.

“The team are already planning their event for the Great British Beach Clean in September which is fantastic and we look forward to seeing them, and thousands of others taking part to help stop the plastic tide.”

Jess Lilley, CAT co-ordinator, said; “The Conservation Action Team have been learning about a wide range of conservation issues worldwide and finding local ways to help wildlife. This month, they focused on water pollution and how to help, so it was great for them to put what they have learned into action at the beach clean.”