Our Stewartry U3A area hugs the coastline of both the Solway and Irish Sea. When the problem of ‘Marine Litter’ and its devastating effect on wildlife was highlighted we realised we were geographically, perfectly situated to do something about it.
Over 40 members signed up to the group within a couple of days of its announcement which showed their concern and commitment.
We meet every 2 months and depending on tides, vary the beaches across our area. We clean for 2 hours and then socialize over a pub lunch or picnic. Local councils would lend us equipment but most of our members are very supportive and come armed with their own. However our U3A has purchased a few litter pickers as spares.
What surprised us was how the nature of the marine litter varied from beach to beach. Recently at Carsethorn, we collected over 60 bags – mainly fishing wire and rope tangled in seaweed! The ‘Steamboat Inn’ offered us all a free drink for our efforts. It was nice to be appreciated.
Not all members can attend every beach clean event but we usually get an excellent turnout and we feel we have made a difference however small.