The clean up effort will help the Marine Conservation Society compile a national database to help inform and shape future policy around protecting the UK's shores © Scottish Sea Farms
The mass clean-up, involving Scottish Sea Farms staff and open to family, friends and members of the public, is overseen nationwide by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Not only will the beach clean teams be removing litter, but they will also be recording what they find, so the MCS can compile a national database to help inform and shape future policy around protecting the UK's shores.
To date, beach cleans have revealed a high proportion of plastic and polystyrene among the rubbish collected, as well as metal, wood, pottery and ceramics, glass, paper and cardboard, rubber, cloth and sanitary waste.
The MCS said the data collated has been used to make a positive impact on our oceans, contributing to environmental advances such as the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.
This year’s event runs from Friday September 16 to Sunday September 25 and includes eight Scottish Sea Farms beach cleans that family, friends and the general public can register to join:
Mainland
- Teithil beach by Barcaldine – 12:00 to 14:00, Friday 16 September
- South Shian beach – 14:30 to 16:30, Wednesday 21 September
Orkney
- 4th Barrier, Burray – 08:30 to 11.30, Friday 16 September
- Echna Loch Bay – 08:30 to 11.30, Friday 16 September
- Weyland Bay – 13:30 to 15:00, Friday 16 September
Shetland
- Taing beach by Cliftsound – 13:00 to 15:30, Friday 16 September
- West Shore beach by NAFC, Scalloway – 10:30 to 13:00, Tuesday 20 September
- Burn beach, Scalloway – 11:00 to 13:00, Wednesday 21 September
Scottish Sea Farms environmental scientist Kirsty Brown, who led the company’s very first participation in the Great British Beach Clean back in 2018, said she was proud to be supporting the campaign for a fifth consecutive year.
“It’s great to see participation in the event having grown over the years, both within the company itself and around the UK.
“Whether you live or work by the coast, or simply enjoy visiting, it’s in everyone’s interests to help keep local shores clear of debris and also do what we can to identify the main sources and how to limit them.”
To register to join one of the Scottish Sea Farms’ beach cleans listed above, simply click the name of the beach clean most convenient to you then look for the “Sign-up” button. You’ll also find details of where to meet, what will be provided by Scottish Sea Farms and what to bring.
