Port supports community role in national Beachwatch Big Weekend

The Port of Dover is sponsoring the annual Shakespeare Beach survey and beach clean as part of the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Beachwatch Big Weekend. Organised by the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, the organisations will be jointly carrying out a marine litter survey and clean-up on Sunday (21st September 2014).

Last year's Shakespeare Beach clean was a resounding success with over 7,500 items of litter collected. This year, the organisers hope to welcome even more volunteers looking to play their part in keeping this local beach clean and safe.

Paul Sampson, Partnership Ranger, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, said: "The beach clean and survey helps us and the MCS to find out what type of litter is making its way by sea to this part of East Kent as well as give the shingle beach a deep clean."

Enthusiasm is all that is needed to help conserve the local marine environment as all of the necessary equipment is provided.

Vicki Jago, Environmental Manager, Port of Dover said: "The beach clean and survey is a fun event for all the family with prizes awarded at the end of the day, but it is mainly about us all showing our commitment to our community in keeping such valued community assets clean and safe for everyone, including the wildlife that calls Shakespeare Beach its home."

This is the fifth year that the Port of Dover, along with the WCCP, will be joining hundreds of other Beachwatch events taking place throughout the country.