VOLUNTEERS in North Berwick came together to take part in the Great British Beach Clean at the town’s West Beach.
The event was run as part of a nationwide campaign by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), which saw more than five tonnes of litter collected at its event last year.
The charity campaigns for clean seas, beaches and the protection of marine life, while hosting events such as the beach clean, which focus on education and community involvement.
In North Berwick, the event was led by MCS’s Caitlin Godfrey, with assistance from the Scottish Seabird Centre and volunteers, who collected more than 11.5kg of litter.
Caitlin Godfrey, shellfish engagement officer at MCS, said: “Huge thanks to the 26 volunteers who joined us for the beach clean at West Beach in North Berwick and to the Scottish Seabird Centre for supporting the event.
“We collected 11.5kg of litter, with plastics accounting for a staggering 83 per cent of rubbish found along the beach.
“Our volunteers at Marine Conservation Society beach cleans write down what type and how much rubbish they’re clearing.
Volunteers looking for litter. Image: MCS
“Collecting this data is vital in helping us understand the worst offenders when it comes to pollution and push for change at a legislation level.
“We couldn’t do this work without our wonderful volunteers.”
The Great British Beach Clean events provide an opportunity to clean up the local area but also generate data that helps experts understand and tackle the pollution affecting marine life.
Emily Burton, conservation projects officer at the Seabird Centre, was also delighted to take part in an event that had a positive impact on marine life both locally and nationally.
She said: “We were thrilled to support the Marine Conservation Society’s North Berwick Great British Beach Clean.
“The beach clean survey we carried out not only helps to protect people and wildlife by removing harmful marine debris, but also provides essential data to tackle this issue.
“Both MCS and the Scottish Seabird Centre run events like this one throughout the year and we’re always delighted to welcome new volunteers to the clean-up crew.
“Head to our website to find information about how you can get involved or borrow equipment.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel