Volunteers asked to join in beach clean-up at Hengistbury Head (From Thisisdorset)

Volunteers asked to join in beach clean-up at Hengistbury Head

5:00pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in Latest By Emma Joseph

BRUSH-UP: A group of volunteers at a beach clean-up at Hengistbury Head in 2011 as part of Beachwatch, the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean and litter survey which aims to highlight the issues of beach litter around the UK’s coastline

A BOURNEMOUTH beach will be receiving a thorough clean this month as part of an annual campaign aimed at highlighting coastline litter.

Volunteers are being asked to come forward and support Beachwatch, the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) beach clean and litter survey, by taking part in the litter pick at Hengistbury Head on Sunday September 16 from 10am.

Local Beachwatch organiser and Oceanarium head curator Oliver Buttling, said litter washing up on our shores was not only unpleasant to look at, but could harm and even kill some of our best-loved marine wildlife.

He added: “More than 170 species, including seabirds, turtles and whales have mistaken marine litter for food and actually eaten it, which in many cases has resulted in starvation, poisoning and ultimately a slow, painful death.

“Plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets also injure, entangle and drown some of Britain’s favourite marine animals, including seals and dolphins.”

MCS surveys have recorded a steady increase in the amount of beach litter since 1994, with the main sources of litter found on UK beaches coming from the public, fishing, sanitary wastes – particularly cotton bud sticks – and shipping.

The Beachwatch clean-up at Hengistbury Head has found some unusual items including a tent and camping chair, as well as more usual litter such as disposable barbecues, plastic bags, wet wipes and fast food packaging.

Oliver said: “We want people to come down to Hengistbury Head on September 16, meeting outside the Hiker Cafe, and take part in an event that will not only make the beach look great for visitors, but will also help MCS identify where the litter comes from and try to stop it at source.”

l To find out more, call 01202 311993 ext 26 or visit oceanrium.co.uk or mcsuk.org.