Students do their bit to make 'shore' our beaches are clean

Pupils from a Lynn school joined volunteers on a beach clean at Old Hunstanton

The event, organised by ocean conservation charity The Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK, collected 20 kilograms of litter - including plastic bottles, old beach toys, and plastic bags.

It's the first time that Springwood has taken part with one student saying, “I felt that I accomplished something, by helping the environment and taking part,” while another agreed, “It was great to see many people volunteering their help and making a stand for the environment.”

“The school’s Environmental Committee advertised and promoted the Beach Clean to all students,” says Agnieszka Munns, Environmental Lead at Springwood High School, “We had students, parents, and siblings taking part, plus myself and other volunteers not associated with the school.”

“Our beaches are often polluted, both by rubbish left by visitors, and by flotsam and jetsam brought ashore by tides,” continues Mrs Munns. “Such litter is not only unsightly, but can pose a danger to people and wildlife. The Beach Clean not only removed plastic items that do not deteriorate, but also dog faeces, which could pose a significant health risk to visitors, especially children.

“Highlighting the benefits of keeping a harmonious and balanced relationship with our sometimes fragile surroundings is a vital lesson to try and impart to schoolchildren, nearly all of whom will be visiting beaches for many years to come.”

Images all Ian Burt