The big beach clean-up

1:39pm Saturday 26th January 2008

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NEARLY 50 volunteers collected 340kg of litter on a wild and blustery day for Dorset Wildlife Trust's beach clean at Worbarrow Bay.

Their haul of rubbish included plastic bottle tops, drinking straws, balloons and pieces of rope and trawler net.

The beach looked much cleaner after half an hour but close inspection showed that masses of tiny white nurdles or plastic pellets could be seen among the seaweed and pebbles because they were too tiny and too many to pick up by hand.

Trust marine warden Julie Hatcher said: "The beach was absolutely covered with small plastic items, many of which could be traced to the wreck of the Napoli.

"We would just like to say a big thank-you to the very enthusiastic and energetic people who turned out on the day to pick up rubbish, and also to the army range wardens who did a brilliant job collecting the full sacks from the beach and disposing of the rubbish."

On a brighter note, she said marine wardens were pleased to report that a seal spotted at Kimmeridge in November with what appeared to be a fishing float round its neck turned out to be a satellite-tagged seal that had been rescued and released in France and is currently thought to be in Poole Harbour.

The next beach cleans are at Kimmeridge and Worbarrow Bays on April 20 starting at 1pm. Those interested in helping can contact Julie on 01929 481044 or email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlife.co.uk for more information.