Shakespeare Beach - Beachwatch Big Weekend

Three big local organisations are joining forces to back a marine litter survey and clean-up at Shakespeare Beach this weekend. The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, with support and funding from Dover Harbour Board and help from Clean Kent, will give a much needed boost to the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Beachwatch Big Weekend.

Volunteers are being encouraged to help give this secluded shingle beach a deep clean, removing hazards as well as surveying the type of litter that has come ashore. This and the hundreds of other surveys taking place over the weekend will help MCS target and tackle the main sources of litter at national and international levels. In 2009 a staggering 121% increase in plastic litter was seen nationally in comparison to 1994.

Paul Sampson, Partnership Officer for White Cliffs Countryside Partnership is gearing up for a big weekend; "Clearing up the tide of marine refuse is a big job but with enthusiastic volunteers on board we can give this beach a well deserved clean as well as finding out exactly what type of litter is making its way by sea to this part of East Kent."

Vicki Case, Environmental Officer for Port of Dover said; "Shakespeare Beach attracts five species of gull with visiting birds such as Turnstones, Rock Pipits and Sandpipers. Anything we can do to help make this beach safe for birds and marine life has got to be a good thing as well as improving the amenity for the benefit of the local community."

Those wanting to volunteer should meet at Lord Warden Square on Sunday 19th September at 10.30am. To find out more, contact the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership on 01304 241806.