Our oceans, with their breath-taking beauty and astonishing biodiversity, are suffering from a crisis of litter and pollution. Plastic bottles, food wrappers, cigarette butts, and other debris pose a grave threat to marine life and the environment. Ocean currents carry this rubbish to our shores, leaving beaches strewn with unsightly waste. The impact is not just aesthetic; it’s ecological too. Marine animals ingest plastic, entangle themselves in debris, and suffer the consequences of our neglect.
One of the most compelling reasons to organize and participate in beach cleans is to protect marine life. Sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins, and countless other species often mistake plastic debris for food. Ingesting plastic can be fatal, causing internal injuries and starvation. By removing litter from beaches, we reduce the likelihood of it entering the ocean and harming these creatures around the globe.
Beaches are vibrant ecosystems in their own right. Dunes, plants, and the sandy shores all play crucial roles in maintaining the health of coastal regions. When litter accumulates, it disrupts these ecosystems, leading to imbalances and potential long-term damage.
Clean beaches are safer and more pleasant for human visitors. Reducing litter not only prevents injuries caused by sharp objects but also ensures that the beach remains an attractive destination for relaxation and recreation.
Beach cleans are powerful educational tools. When people see the amount of rubbish collected in a single clean-up, it serves as a stark reminder of our collective impact on the environment. This awareness can inspire individuals and communities to adopt more sustainable habits.
Below we’ve collated a list of beach cleans you can take part in near Dartmouth.
The Big Visit South Devon Beach Clean – Blackpool Sands, 14th September
Join us and Visit South Devon for an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on our beautiful coastline as we partner with The 2 Minute Foundation for our inaugural beach clean event!
Participation in this beach clean is absolutely free, and while booking is not mandatory, it greatly assists us in planning. Your RSVP helps us estimate the number of volunteers who will join us in this important endeavour.
If you’re a local business, consider sponsoring our beach clean for just £30 per person. As a sponsor, you’ll enjoy a corporate responsibility workshop hosted by The 2 Minute Foundation, offering fantastic insights into practical steps your business can take to reduce plastic usage. Additionally, sponsors will be treated to a complimentary lunch courtesy of Kendricks in Stoke Fleming. This is an excellent opportunity to network with fellow eco-conscious businesses.
Remember, the beach clean is a public event open to all, whether you choose to sponsor or not.
To secure your sponsorship tickets directly through Visit South Devon, please contact Tia at tia@visitsouthdevon.co.uk. Upon request, an invoice can be provided for your business.
Great British Beach Clean at Slapton Sands – 16th September
Embrace the challenge on September 16th at Slapton Sands during the Great British Beach Clean. Gather as much litter as possible and measure your impact on our beach clean leaderboard. They’ll supply the bags; all you need are your own gloves.
As a thank-you, enjoy complimentary whippy ice cream, tea, or coffee at the Start Bay Inn. Head down between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM to help combat plastic pollution on Slapton Sands.
Wild Planet Trust’s Monthly Beach Clean – Brixham Breakwater, 20th September
Join Wild Planet Trust as we celebrate the Great British Beach Clean with the Marine Conservation Society!
Pop down to Brixham Breakwater – meet by the public toilets, next to Breakwater Bistro (look for the Wild Planet Trust Flag!) at 2pm on the 20th September.
This is a free event but booking is essential via the Paignton Zoo website.
All kit will be provided by Wild Planet Trust but be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
Surfers Against Sewage Beach Clean – Goodrington Sands, Paignton, 7th October
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is a UK-based environmental organization founded in 1990. SAS aims to protect oceans, beaches, and marine life from pollution. They engage communities in beach cleans, advocate for cleaner waters, and campaign against plastic waste. SAS empowers individuals to safeguard the environment, making a positive impact on coastal ecosystems.
Take part in their beach clean of Goodrington Sands in Paignton on the 7th October from 11am to 1pm.
Beach cleans are not just about tidying up the shoreline; they’re about safeguarding our planet’s most precious ecosystems and protecting the creatures that call the ocean home. By participating in or organising beach clean-up events, you become part of a global movement to combat plastic pollution and preserve our natural wonders for future generations. It’s time to take action and restore our paradise, one piece of trash at a time. If you can’t take part in the events listed above but you still want to do your bit, why not organise your own beach clean with family and friends? All you need is a pair of gloves and a bin bag.
If you take part in a beach clean near Dartmouth please share your photos with us and let us know how much rubbish you collected by tagging us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).
