DORSET Wildlife Trust is inviting people to join in their annual Worbarrow Bay Beach Clean on September 18, the chance to combine a beautiful walk along the shore with cleaning up for wildlife as you stroll.
Litter of all kinds has been found over the many beach cleans, including fish hooks, old balloons, bottles, shot gun cartridges and even a fridge door.
Julie Hatcher, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer, said: “The Worbarrow Bay beach clean restores this beautiful beach to its natural splendour, and allows wildlife and people to enjoy the shoreline without the dangers of unsightly litter.”
Beach litter is a serious threat to wildlife, not just locally but all over the globe. Turtles often mistake balloons for jellyfish, birds can trap their delicate feet in discarded plastic loops that hold cans together and plastics release chemicals into the ocean waters. Last year’s beach clean had 70 plus volunteers turning up to collectively remove over 200kg of litter.
The Beach Clean is also an opportunity to brush up on your wildlife skills by helping to survey the beach as you clean. Last year a total of 52 skate and shark egg cases were found, giving important information about wildlife off our coast.
The Beach Clean is on September 18 from 1.30pm to 3pm at Worbarrow Bay. For young volunteers there is also a morning classroom session about the impacts of marine litter with the K Team of young volunteers. No need to book for the beach clean but booking is essential for the morning session, which is for 16-25-year-olds only. Parking is available in Tyneham Village and all equipment is provided.
For more information email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or ring Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044.
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