Volunteers take to Hampshire’s beaches for big clean up

Picture: Sarah Standing (113307-4329)

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Beachwatch took place along Hayling Island seafront on Saturday 17th September 2011. Pictured is: (L-R) Caroline Gladman, Laura Canning, Jessica Locker, Chris Telling, Garnet Telling, Alan Sprung, Maggie Holdsworth, Felicity Coutts, Laura Clarke and Katy Roberts, a senior community project officer for BTCV. Taking part in the beach clear up.

Published in the Portsmouth News on Monday 19th September 2011

BEACHES across the area have been given a facelift as part of a nationwide shoreline tidy-up.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) organised the Beachwatch Big Weekend to respond to a six per cent jump in litter levels during 2010.

Volunteers and MCS employees worked yesterday and on Saturday to clean up beaches in Langstone Harbour, Pagham in West Sussex, Portchester and near the Inn on the Beach on Hayling Island.

Across the UK thousands of people cleaned up and recorded the rubbish they found, as part of the International Coastal Clean-up which takes place in 80 countries worldwide.

The data collected shapes MCS’s beach litter campaigns and tries to keep the subject on the government’s agenda.

MCS Beachwatch Officer Lauren Davis said: ‘It’s great to have the help of so many enthusiastic locals of all ages who are clearly passionate about getting involved and improving their local marine environment.’