Corporate Wild Work Day: Beach Clean and Survey Day at Rye HarbourWhat is a beach litter survey and why do them?
Our beach cleans are about more than just getting litter off the beach and out of the sea. At every beach clean, we sort, categorise and record what litter is collected. The data is sent to the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch database to support the fight against marine litter in the UK. This is valuable information that can be used to influence the decisions made by businesses, councils and the government.
Register as a beach clean volunteer
To join our regular beach clean surveys, please register as a volunteer. You can register through the MyImpact portal.
Wildlife beach cleans help protect
There are many different threats to our marine birds and animals. Litter is just one of them. But every piece that we can remove from the shore is one less piece that can harm wildlife.
Find that litter! Organise a no-fuss beachy scavenger hunt for the kids
Looking for something to keep the kids busy on the beach in any season. Print off a Beach Clean activity from our Go Explore Wild Coast Sussex Guide below and use it as a scavenger hunt checklist, or make one of your own. Each item they find scores different points. Add them up for a winner!
webfamilybeachclean01staugust2024arthursloman-4-1-w800h600Organise your own beach clean
If you’re keen to organise a larger beach clean with family, friends or colleagues, that’s great! Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Think about your location
Is there easy public access? Are there any hazards? How will everyone get there?
Check the tides
Plan to go when the tide is going out. Most litter collects at the top of the beach and along the high tide line.
Remember the bags!
Try to get everyone to bring a strong reusable bag that can be emptied directly into big bins or sturdy rubbish bags.
Get geared up
Make sure everyone has protective gloves. You can also use litter-pickers. Ask your local council if they have these to loan.
Make a rubbish plan
Plan how you’re going to dispose of the litter. Check where the nearest public bins are, or if the beach owner can help arrange a collection.
Remember the recycling
Don’t forget that some items may be recyclable, so check the local recycling scheme. Find the best place to drop this off.
Check the weather
High winds or heavy rain can make the beach a dangerous place and make it difficult to carry bags of litter.
Share your work
You can carry out a litter survey or share pictures on social media. And report any large or dangerous items to your local council.
