Big ‘beach-clean weekend’ challenge

North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve is leading the way in galvanising local communities into action by launching an extended weekend beach clean initiative to take place from 19th to 21st March.

Following on from the success of last years’ beach cleaning, with over 300 bags of litter picked up from several of our local beaches, including general rubbish, sea-borne litter, fishing nets and even a kitchen sink; this year’s goal is to extend and co-ordinate these fantastic efforts to as many beaches along the North Devon coast as possible.

Average litter levels on UK beaches are on the increase year on year, causing pollution and posing a danger to wildlife. The Biosphere Reserve team are tackling the litter debris problem head on, by appealing for volunteers throughout North Devon to join forces with them. Such a concerted, large scale effort from Lynton to Cornwall will be a significant help to keep our beaches looking great for locals and visitors and protect the wildlife from the hazards of litter.

Mike Moser, Chair of the Biosphere Reserve Partnership comments that, “The majority of beach litter has come in from the sea, is unsightly and wildlife can get entangled or choke on it. A lot of rubbish is also left by beach visitors or comes in from the land via streams or rivers. This is a great opportunity for everyone to do their bit to look after our wonderful coastline.”

North Devon is the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in England and includes the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The local community’s commitment towards enhancing the special environment is vital to its status. Much of North Devon’s economy relies on a high quality environment, with £200m generated each year from tourism, half of which is directly related to coastal tourism.

The Beach Clean is also part of the North Devon Coast AONB’s 50th Anniversary Events programme and supported by local MPs Geoffrey Cox and Nick Harvey, Natural England, DCC, TDC, NDC, the Marine Conservation Society, the Beach Clean Network, the National Trust, Coastwise, Instow in Bloom, Biosphere Foundation, Parish Councils, local schools and North Devon+ in conjunction with the NEA2 European Watersports Project. It is hoped that individuals, schools, youth groups, Brownies, Scouts, sports groups and companies will also rally behind the Biosphere’s beach clean-up challenge.

Nick Harvey MP adds that, “‘I am so pleased to be able to once again support this worthwhile initiative. Last year there was a fantastic turnout for the beach clean and this year promises to be an even bigger and better event.

It is a great opportunity for all the family to get involved and to help keep our beautiful coastline beautiful, and to have some fun as well. I wish the Big Beach Clean Weekend the very best of luck”

Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge comments that, “The beach clean-up weekend is an excellent idea. There are so many people in our part of the world who enjoy our wonderful coastline. The weekend will give them an opportunity to highlight the importance of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while doing something practical to preserve its quality.

The beaches of northern Devon not only provide a place for local people to visit, but many are also an attraction to tourists, which are of course hugely important to us. Anything that helps to protect and sustain this precious resource and our Biosphere Reserve, I am very much in support of, and I wish everyone involved a very successful beach clean weekend!”

To register your interest and find out how and where you can join in, please contact: Rupert Hawley or Tom Hynes, at North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve Team: Tel 01237 423655 or visit the Biosphere Reserve website for further details: More >>