There are a number of organisations which regularly work hard to keep the Cornish beaches safe and clean. They rely on everyone’s good will and volunteers to do their bit. You can help in a small way by simply picking up any rubbish or discarded bottles, plastic, old surf boards, nets etc and disposing of them in a suitable bin.
Here is a list and a little detail of some of the organisations committed to keeping the Cornish beaches clean, safe and protecting our wildlife.
(Picture Credit – Surfers against Sewage website)
Beach Guardian
https://www.beachguardian.org/
Engage, Educate and Empower Against Plastic Pollution
Beach Guardian CIC is a Community Interest Company based in Cornwall, United Kingdom. It was co-founded by father and daughter duo: Rob and Marine Biologist Emily. Over the years regular beach cleaning has been done to collect and remove rubbish from the beaches; mainly plastics washing in from the ocean on the tide. They now organise community beach cleans and conduct educational workshops with schools and other groups to connect people with the environment to improve health and wellbeing of both people and planet.
There are many ways that you can support Beach Guardian.
They are always so thankful of every participant in a beach clean, every hour volunteered, every penny donated and every person they help engage with the natural world.
Please volunteer some of your time and spend a few hours on the beach helping to clear them of plastic waste and litter. Not only are you doing a good thing for the planet, you are aiding your own well being, sense of self worth, self confidence and general happiness. It’s time to care for the environment and yourself!
Also they are so grateful for any donations that you can spare. It will be used so well and wisely from everything from beach cleaning equipment, providing school workshops and individual workshops. It will help to develop a safe space withing their lab and mission centre to be able to provide even greater learning…and fun!
(Picture Credit – Beach Guardian – Internet)
Porthtowan Beach
http://porthtowanbeach.com/beach-2/beach-cleaning/
The group ‘Surfers Against Sewage’ was formed by residents of Porthtowan and St Agnes and led by local Chris Hines from May 1990 until 2000. The aim was to keep the beaches clean for all beach users. This ethos and work continues to this day with Porthtowan villagers being at the forefront of the fight for clean beaches.
What can you do to help?
Swap your usual workout at the gym and get fit taking part in one of the many beach cleans on Porthtowan’s Beach. Fresh air and great company, it’s a great way to meet amazing people. Beach cleans usually last for around two hours but you can spend as little or as long as you like. Afterwards, relax in the Beach Café, Blue Bar or the Unicorn on the Beach with a warming hot chocolate, barista prepared coffee, brunch, lunch or incredible cakes.
(Pictures Credit – Porthtowan Beach website)
Wildlife Trust’s Beach Cleans
Cornwall is home to some of the richest marine wildlife from tiny rare colourful corals to giant basking sharks, but our seas urgently need protecting.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust runs an extensive marine conservation programme known as ‘Living Seas’.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust runs a wide and varied range of marine projects to monitor our marine environment and get Cornwall engaged with the wonderful watery world that surrounds us.
- They collect data on marine wildlife and habitats
- They create awareness of the threats to marine life
- They campaign for better protection for our marine species and habitats
Everybody is welcome to take part in Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s beach cleans. Members of the public are encouraged to join their nearest organised event where equipment will be provided.
One Bag Beach Clean
(Picture Credit – Cornwall Wildlife Trust website)
(Picture Credit – One Bag Beach Clean Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/onebagbeachclean
Grab a bag, clean the beach. Protect the oceans. Keep Britain Tidy
Cornwall Council Beach Cleaning.
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/street-cleaning/beach-cleaning/
Cornwall Council are responsible for cleaning many beaches across Cornwall. They only clean beaches that they own or that are privately leased through the Council.
They prioritise the beaches depending on their location, usage and time of year.
They are cleaned by the contractor, Biffa Municipal Ltd. Cornwall Council set the standards they are cleaned to. These standards use Cleanliness National Indicators by Defra.
By visiting their website you can see a list of the beaches they are responsible for cleaning and also you are able to report a beach which needs cleaning.
A Cornwall Council Volunteer.
(Picture Credit – Volunteer Cornwall)
If you value and love our beaches and wildlife, please do get involved. With us all giving just an hour here and there our beautiful beaches and stunning natural coastlines can be dramatically improved and preserved for everyone and everything.
Please feel free to contact any of the groups we have mentioned in this blog to see how you can help and when their next Beach Clean is taking place.
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