Take part in a wildlife friendly beach clean!

Hampshire is home to 230 miles of coastline teeming with wildlife from birds to bivalves and everything in between, and there’s nothing quite like taking a trip to the beach and spotting as much nature as you possibly can.

That’s why it’s so important that we look after our beaches and protect the habitats of all the creatures making their homes along our shorelines. One way you can do this is by taking part in a wildlife conscious beach clean, so we’ve put together some tips to help you on your next clean!

Be mindful of wildlife!

On the beach, you might spot some brent geese settling in for the winter or a shore crab basking in a rockpool. Lots of animals make their homes on our coastline so it’s important to be respectful of that when cleaning. Check any large pieces of debris before moving them in case they’ve become habitats for smaller animals and avoid digging for litter. If any animals become aware of you, be sure to move further away from them so as not to disturb them.

You can visit Bird Aware Solent for further guidance and to find out more about which birds you can find on our shores.

Watch your step

The strandline, which is where things like seaweed and driftwood wash up to on the shore, can be home to lots of small creatures and a source of food for seabirds so be careful where you tread. It’s also important to avoid stepping on plants you find along the coast. Some of these plants might be vulnerable or require a special environment to survive.

Keep track of what you find

Thanks to data collected by the public, legislation has been passed that’s already made a big difference to beach litter – one of the most notable examples of this is the introduction of the plastic bag charge which has led to a 55% reduction in the number of plastic bags found on beaches in the UK. If you take part in an organised beach clean, the organisers will help you collect and record this data, or you can take a picture of the litter you find and share it on social media. You can also take part in The Great Nurdle Hunt, which helps conservationists understand plastic pollution, or become an expert in sharks (yes, really!) and join the Great Eggcase Hunt.

Why should you get involved?

Most of us feel happier and healthier after visiting the sea – don’t just take our word for it, there’s plenty of scientific research to back this up! As well as this, getting out for a walk, chatting with fellow volunteers, and caring for your local environment are all great for both mental and physical health. Beach cleaning also provides a great opportunity to take time away from the stresses of everyday life – why not try your hand at some mindfulness while you walk or listen to your favourite music.

Grab your bin bags, find your nearest organised beach clean and help keep Hampshire tidy!

Send us photos from your beach clean on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up to our newsletter for more top tips from Hampshire Countryside Service.