If you care about the Essex coastline then the chances are that you’ll want to ensure our beaches are safe for our children’s children to enjoy. So, did you know that The Great British Beach Clean kicks off today, thanks to The Marine Conservation Society? MCS is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife. Based in Herefordshire,they fight for marine wildlife protection, sustainable fisheries and clean seas and beaches all over Britain.

Right now our seas are under threat, as too much rubbish is dumped into the sea and too many fish are being taken out. We need to do more to protect our vital fish stocks and marine wildlife. MCS dream of a future where our seas are abundant in fish stocks, rich in wildlife and pollution free. The vision is for cleaner beaches and bathing waters that can sustain wildlife and are safe for people to enjoy.

Their website has some great tips and suggestions of things to do when you’re down by the sea. If you want to know what you’re swimming in their Good Beach Guide tells you where the cleanest bathing waters are around the UK coast. You'll also find information on weather, travel, lifeguards, facilities and activities at over 1,000 UK beaches. They only give MCS Recommended status to beaches with the best water quality.

If you and your family like to explore the shoreline collecting driftwood and shells, then check out their Seashore Safari Guide. You can also report your wildlife sightings and contribute to their scientific research if you’re lucky enough to notice any sharks, marine turtles or jellyfish in Essex!

Although marine litter is a problem around the world, as a volunteer you can really make a difference on your local beach. The Great British Beach Clean runs from 19th– 22nd September and you can take part in Essex at Harwich, Jubilee Beach, Jaywick Beach, Thorpe Bay, Bradwell, or Clacton on Sea.

A beach clean is a great chance to spend time by the sea whilst improving the natural environment that we all enjoy. MCS will ask that you record the litter to assist them in their campaign to reduce further littering. All you need to take part is appropriate footwear, gloves for litter picking, clothes that suit the weather on the day, and refreshments for yourself.

If you can make it to a local Beach Clean you’ll be among 10,000 volunteers cleaning up our beaches this week. The MCS campaign uses lovely nostalgic images of the seaside’s litter-free “glory days!” to promote their cause.

However, if you’re looking for a way to support the campaign without leaving the comfort of your own home simply follow MCS on Twitter! My favourite recent tweet on their timeline was from @cecsolar, “Have to give it to my daughter."Oooh Daddy, are we going on a glitter-pick?"

Make sure you’re also following Boatshed Essex on Twitter and we’ll retweet your local water-related events and news.

Many thanks to Andrew Birch for making this beautiful image of Thorpe Bay available under a Creative Commons Licence.

Peggy

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