Somerset’s Beachwatch Big Weekend

People living near the Somerset coast are being urged to help protect marine wildlife and local beaches by taking part in the Beachwatch Big Weekend, which takes place September 18 and 19.

The Beachwatch Big Weekend is part of a national beach clean and survey of waste organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS.) As well as cleaning up local beauty spots the data that participants collect will help the MCS tackle the problem of litter in the sea and on beaches. The Somerset Biodiversity Partnership is one of organisations helping to organise the events in Somerset.

This is an opportunity for local people to find out more about the unique wildlife which thrives on Somerset’s coast and to really make a difference. There will be free rock pool rambles, and guided coastal walks are being offered by the National Trust at Brean Down and Porlock Marsh after the beach clean.

How you can get involved

The events are taking place on:
Saturday 18 September from 9.30am at Brean Down beach
Sunday 19 September from 10am at Bossington beach; Porlock Weir; Minehead beach; and Sand Bay, Weston-super-Mare.

People of any age or level of fitness can undertake the surveys. Dogs are restricted on some beaches, so please check in advance. Bags and gloves will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to contact Alison Slade Somerset Biodiversity Partnership Officer in advance at biodiversity@somersetwildlife.org or tel: 01823 652409.

More information about the Beachwatch project can be found on the Marine Conservation Society website