Teams in West Norfolk recover almost a million plastic nurdles

Nurdles began washing up along our coastline following the tanker collision in the North Sea in March.

In March the Mv Solong (a container ship) collided with the Mv Stena Immaculate (an oil tanker) in the North Sea, just off the east coast of Yorkshire, resulting in a release of plastic nurdles into the sea.

The Borough Council's been working closely with landowners and agencies to monitor the situation ever since.  And says whilst residual pollution is expected to persist for years, fewer large burnt-fused nurdles are now being found.

Cllr Sandra Squire, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal, says, “Throughout the summer, many landowners and volunteers organised beach clean-ups, which proved invaluable in removing additional burnt-fused plastic. The Borough Council has supported these efforts by providing cascade training in site surveying and supplying equipment to help collect residual nurdle pollution.

“With continued support from Norfolk County Council, we are still offering collection and waste disposal services for any material gathered by site owners.”

Charles Le Strange Meakin, Trustee of the Le Strange Estate, adds, “At the start of October, surveying the coastline from Old Hunstanton Lighthouse to Holme we saw very little nurdle waste. Across that stretch we found only four pieces of plastic debris—each roughly hand-sized—mostly near Holme. I suspect that very little if any debris seems to have washed up on recent tides.”

The National Trust at Brancaster says since their last beach clean and litter pick early in the summer, there have been no further nurdle sightings.

However Peter Nicholson, National Trust Norfolk Coast & Broads General Manager, says, "Natural England confirmed that burnt debris is still being collected on their land. A further clearance of Scolt Head Island is needed, but access is limited by tidal conditions and bird nesting seasons."

Hayley Roan, Senior Sites Manager for RSPB Titchwell Marsh and Snettisham, adds, "Sadly, we continue to see plastic pellets washing up on the beach at Titchwell as they move through the marine environment. We’re incredibly grateful to our dedicated local beach cleaners who help us stay on top of this persistent pollution and protect this special place.”

Reporting Nurdle Pollution

If you discover nurdle pollution, the council's advice is to report it to the relevant landowner, including details of the location. More information is available at west-norfolk.gov.uk/coastalissue. It advises against handling the material.

All images from Holme beach in March