Over the two days, 70 wonderful volunteers took part in the tidy-up across Kent’s largest protected coastal area and within the space of two hours at Pegwell Bay the team had collected a staggering 126kg of litter. The waste mostly consisted of fine pieces of plastic and fishing line, known as “dolly rope.” This is particularly problematic for marine life as it does not decompose and can be ingested by birds and fish who can also get tangled up in the netting. It also gets caught up in the precious saltmarsh habitat making it challenging to clean the bay.
On Saturday at Sandwich Bay the team filled an 8-yard skip to the brim, they found large pieces of ghost netting, plastic containers and countless numbers of dog poo bags which had been dumped on the beach.
Kent Wildlife Trust’s Nina Jones said: “The excellent number of enthusiastic volunteers made the difference; it is heart-warming that so many people are willing to put aside their time to make such a positive contribution to the community. Whilst on the one hand, it is sad to see the sheer quantity of rubbish washing up on our beaches and the thoughtlessness of those dumping dog waste bags in precious wildlife habitats, it is uplifting that so many braved the wind and the rain to clean this beautiful area – which will soon welcome shore nesting birds looking for a safe place to lay eggs and raise their chicks.
“Not only did these remarkable volunteers pick and get rid of the rubbish, but they also counted it as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s citizen science project examining the waste that is washing up on our shores. Well done and thank you to all involved.”
To find out more about this wonderful wildlife Nature Reserve visit our website.
Enquiries:
Sally Smith: press@kentwildlife.org.uk Mob: 07376 445567
About Kent Wildlife Trust: Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres.
We work closely with local communities, landowners, and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast, and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent.
The charity also campaigns against inappropriate and damaging development; and educates and inspire young people to help secure a more sustainable future and create a Wilder Kent.
About the Thanet Coast Project: The Thanet Coast Project works with local people to help safeguard the wildlife and the coastlines’ unique features, and is now reliant upon 100% donations and grants – from public contributions to local businesses. Please help support local coastal and marine conservation wildlife with any donations to help our coastal and marine conservation activities.
Kent Wildlife Trust is appealing for volunteers to help remove rubbish from Heather Corrie Vale nature reserve, Dareth Valley after cows were found to be grazing in areas strewn with litter.
Volunteers from Kent Wildlife Trust will be planting trees in Sevenoaks to celebrate National Tree Week.
Charity is thrilled that the efforts of Victoria Golding, who has volunteered with the organisation for over 40 years, are to be recognised
