Plastic Free North Devon reveals schedule for 2024 beach cleans

Plastic Free North Devon (PFND) has unveiled its schedule for the 2024 Big Saunton Beach Clean series, with the next event happening this Sunday (February 25), from 11am to 1pm.

This initiative, now in its sixth year, has seen remarkable community engagement and environmental impact.

This year, the partnership aims to expand its impact further by clearing even more rubbish off the beach, contributing valuable data to national organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and the Marine Conservation Society. 

In 2023 alone, 446 volunteers participated in the clean-up efforts, removing an impressive 1,265 kilograms of waste from Saunton Beach. 

Plastic Free North Devon is a registered charity that is dedicated to environmental conservation through community-led action. 

Since its inception in 2018, the Big Saunton Beach Clean has involved 3,050 volunteers across 43 beach cleans, resulting in the removal of more than four tonnes of rubbish.

The collected debris comprises a diverse array of items, including fishing-related debris, food packaging, plastic bottles, cans, microplastics, cigarette butts and disposable vapes.

Of concern is not just the weight of the rubbish but also its age and the prevalence of smaller and smaller pieces.

Claire Moodie, CEO of PFND has explained that while beach cleaning alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis, it plays a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering community engagement.

"The Big Saunton Beach Clean is an example of what can be achieved with the active involvement of our coastal community volunteers and the support offered by stakeholders," said Claire. Plastic is becoming ingrained in our geological record and continues to embed itself in our

food chains and ecosystems. Whilst beach cleaning alone will not fix this fundamental

issue, it continues to make a difference both on the amount that is found.

Recent research by Norse has suggested that global clean-up efforts are contributing to the reduction of microplastics in the oceans.

Volunteers interested in participating in citizen science activities are encouraged to reach out to info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org.

Free parking and hot drinks will be provided for volunteers, courtesy of Saunton Break Cafe.

The cafe will exclusively serve drinks in reusable cups. While all cleaning equipment will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own if available. Cake donations are also welcomed to share during the event.

For a comprehensive list of this year's Big Saunton Beach Cleans, interested individuals can refer to PFND's website and social media channels. 

Moreover, PFND is available to support those interested in organising their own clean-up events, and local litter cleaning groups and councils offer resources for similar initiatives.

For more information about Plastic Free North Devon and its initiatives, visit www.plasticfreenorthdevon.org.