Environment groups organise The Big (socially distanced) Beach Clean

Friday 12 February 2021

The Big Channel Islands Beach Clean returns this weekend following recent storms.

Following the success of last year's event which saw 180 volunteers from across the islands collect 340kg of litter, organisers thought it would be something both beneficial and community spirited to continue again this year, albeit socially distanced

"Beach cleaning is not only hugely beneficial to the environment and its habituating wildlife but a great opportunity to get outdoors, stretch your legs and take in some fresh air," said Helen Quin, Community Engagement at The Clean Earth Trust.

"After the recent stormy weather the coastline is heavily littered with debris, especially in the seaweed lines, and we are hoping people will consider taking part in some beach cleaning as their two hours of exercise time."

Lorna West, Outreach Officer for Alderney Wildlife Trust, said beach cleans are important to hep protect the natural environment and species that nest there. 

"Plastic, thread-like debris is routinely used by Alderney's seabirds as nesting material," she said.

"20 gannets were recorded as killed last year due to injury and starvation caused by prolonged entanglement in plastic waste, though many more will have gone unrecorded. A heart-breaking sight to witness. Let's do what we can to minimize this suffering and keep our beaches safe for wildlife."

Should you choose to participate in the Big Channel Islands Beach Clean, you must adhere to your respective government’s guidelines regarding Covid-19 and ensue that you have appropriate PPE where required (gloves to be worn if collecting litter by hand). Please note hazardous waste should not be touched but reported to your local environment group, as well as large items that cannot be disposed of via public bins or your home waste and recycling scheme. 

Participants in The BIG (socially distanced) Channel Islands Beach Clean can beach clean for one, two or three days in a row. To take part people should choose a beach and then record what they find, including the date, name of beach, approximate weight of rubbish in kgs, some interesting finds and a photo of your marine debris

That information can then be sent to your corresponding group, depending on which island you are in. People in Alderney should contact The Alderney Wildlife Trust / on peopleandwildlife@alderneywildlife.org, for Guernsey and Herm The Clean Earth Trust on hello@cleanearthtrust and for Sark, Shakira Christodoulou on shakiraisobel@hotmail.com