Join the Great British Beach Clean
The Exe Estuary Management Partnership is taking part in the Great British Beach Clean, coordinated by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Volunteers are invited to meet at the Imperial Recreation Ground slipway in Exmouth at 3pm on Sunday 20 September (booking essential).
This UK-wide beach clean not only spruces up hundreds of beaches around the coast but records the litter finds, allowing the MCS to identify how litter can be targeted at the source. Volunteers are asked to record any branded items they find, to enable MCS to approach specific manufacturers and retailers and look at ways they can work with them to reduce the amount of rubbish from their products reaching our beaches.
After a couple of hours of cleaning up the estuary, volunteers are invited to a ‘Post-Clean-Up-Knees-Up’ to enjoy free food and drink courtesy of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Exmouth Rugby Club and a few refreshments from McDonald’s (who will be helping with the clean-up). The Rob Murphy Trio will be playing live music.
Due to limited places at the ‘Post-Clean-Up-Knees-Up’, advance booking is essential and can be done through the Exe Estuary Officer, Stephanie Clark by email to exeestua@devon.gov.uk or 01392 382236.
The support of local businesses and organisations is important for the success of these events and this year we would like to thank Exmouth Rugby Club, the World of Country Life, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, the National Trust, The Rob Murphy Trio and McDonald’s for their incredible support of this Clean-Up.
Exe Estuary Officer, Stephanie Clark, said: "Over the past few years volunteers have made a substantial impact on the health of the globally important Exe Estuary by helping to clear large and often dangerous items of litter that accumulate in the estuary.
"Litter and waste not only detracts from the beautiful landscape and harms wildlife but is also hazardous for people who enjoy using the site for recreation, such as walking their dogs, kite surfing, and bird watching.
It is essential for the wildlife, safety and beauty of the Exe that these clean up events continue, but they are completely reliant on volunteer’s help and support."
Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE, Chairman of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership said: “The Exe Estuary Clean Ups are an excellent opportunity for the local community of the Estuary to get together and work to improve the environment and safety of the estuary.
“We are particularly grateful to local organisations such as East Devon District Council and the National Trust, whose help with this event will make a huge difference to the amount of litter that we can clear.
"The support of local businesses, such as Stuart Line Cruises and Leese’s Skip Hire, has proven incredibly important at all of the events we have run and demonstrates their commitment to the estuary."
Gloves and necessary equipment are provided but it is important that volunteers wear sensible clothing and footwear such as wellies or old trainers, and bring sun cream just in case!
Families are welcome, as are friendly dogs on leads; children must be accompanied by an adult.
