Help clean North Devon beaches and parks this January

Residents across North Devon and Torridge are being urged to take part in the fourth annual Day of Action, organised by charity Earth Action North Devon (EAND).

The event, taking place on Saturday 31 January 2026, will see people of all ages getting involved in community clean-ups or carrying out their own litter-picking efforts. 

Volunteers will tackle plastic pollution across beaches, parks, towns, and the Tarka Trail, while also connecting with nature and their local communities.

Plastic pollution continues to pose a serious threat to both the environment and human health. 

Global plastic production is rising and is predicted to triple by 2060, largely driven by the fossil fuel industry. 

Microplastics have now been discovered in food, human blood, and even in the deepest parts of the oceans.

EAND said local action remains crucial. 

Every piece of litter collected contributes to community pride, sparks conversations about the environment, and provides data that informs campaigning and policy.

Anne-Marie Eveleigh, operations manager at Earth Action North Devon, said: “Whether you spend five minutes picking litter on your street, join a team to tackle a local hotspot, or lead a workplace clean-up, every action adds up. The Day of Action connects people through shared purpose and pride in where we live,  and it’s amazing what that can spark.”

Community clean-ups on Saturday 31 January will include:

Northam Burrows (10am–12pm) – meet at Westward Ho! slipway

Bideford Tarka Trail (11:30am) – meet at Bideford Station platform

Instow Beach (11am–1pm) – meet at The Glorious Oyster, Sandhills car park

Rock Park, Barnstaple (10am–12pm) – meet on Ladies Mile

Newport, Barnstaple (10am–12pm) – meet in B&M car park

Crow Point, Braunton (10am–12pm) – meet at Crow Point car park

Croyde Beach (10am–12pm) – meet by the slipway

Woolacombe Beach (10:30am–12pm) – meet at Mill Rock

Lee Bay, Ilfracombe (9:30am–11am) – meet at Lee Beach slipway

Wildersmouth Beach, Ilfracombe (10am–12pm) – meet at beach entrance

Hele Bay, Ilfracombe (10am–12pm) – meet at beach entrance

Lynmouth, family-friendly (10am–12pm) – meet on the Esplanade by the Rhenish Tower

Lee Bay, Lynton, for the more adventurous (10am–12pm) – meet at Exmoor National Park car park, Valley of Rocks

Those unable to join an organised session are encouraged to run their own clean-ups, with EAND providing guidance, equipment, and promotional support. 

Businesses and schools can also take part during the week of 26–31 January, with staff or students leading local litter picks.

Participants are invited to log their clean-ups and enter a prize draw to win a Dryrobe® or a Hydro Flask. 

EAND also asks people carrying out their own sessions to submit data on how much waste was collected, the number of participants, plastic bottles and coffee cups gathered, and any unusual finds. 

This helps feed national databases and support wider environmental campaigns.

EAND is also inviting local businesses to sponsor the 2026 Day of Action or the Tarka Trail & Estuary Clean-Up later in the year to help maintain these community initiatives.

Future clean-ups organised by Earth Action North Devon in 2026 include:

1 March – Saunton Beach

12 April – Saunton Beach

18 April – Instow Beach

31 May – Saunton Beach

13 September – Saunton Beach

18 September – Instow Beach

25 October – Saunton Beach

31 October – Instow Beach

Earth Action North Devon is a registered charity (No. 1182464) focused on protecting and improving the environment through community-led action. 

Originally set up to tackle plastic pollution, its work now also includes education, conservation, sustainable tourism, and environmental advocacy across the region.

For more information, to register a clean-up, enter the prize draw, or discuss sponsorship opportunities, visit www.earthactionnorthdevon.org or email info@earthactionnorthdevon.org