The 34th Great Dorset Beach Clean was a resounding success, with over 200 dedicated volunteers coming together to clean up eight beaches across Dorset. Despite challenging windy conditions, participants worked tirelessly to clear marine litter, much of which was brought in by recent storms.
Common items found during the cleanup included fishing gear, hard plastics, and nurdles, with some more unusual discoveries such as brooms, a fridge, and even the occasional shoe! The effort put in by volunteers was impressive, resulting in the removal of hundreds of kilos of litter from the beaches. Particularly noteworthy was the removal of 104kg of litter in just two hours from Kimmeridge Bay alone.
The importance of events like the Great Dorset Beach Clean extends beyond just the physical cleanup. Many of the participating groups collect valuable data, which is shared with organisations like the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage. This data plays a crucial role in informing government policies aimed at reducing litter and protecting marine environments.
The Great Dorset Beach Clean is a free family-friendly event, attracting individuals from all different ages and backgrounds. Whether it is to meet new people, get active, enjoy Dorset’s beautiful coastline or to give back to the environment and local community, there is something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
Kim Ford, one of the volunteers who attended the Kimmeridge Clean said: “Me and mum join the beach clean every year at different locations and wherever we go there is always a wonderful sense of community. Everyone pulls together to get the job done and we always have such a laugh at the same time. We’ve been going for 10 years now and will be continuing for the next 10 at least!”
The success of the 34th Great Dorset Beach Clean stands as a testament to the ongoing dedication local community groups show in preserving our beautiful landscape.
If you attended any of the events this year, or took part in your own clean up you can spread the message by tagging @litterfreedorset in your photos and use the hashtag #GDBC24.
Volunteers at Kimmeridge