Campaign to tackle litter on North East beaches

An initiative has launched to encourage people to help tackle litter at two national nature reserves in the North East.

Part of an international campaign, Take 3 For The Sea, the initiative will operate on two Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) national nature reserves -- St Cyrus and Forvie. People are encouraged to remove three pieces of rubbish from the beach every time they visit, and put the litter in bins at the reserve car parks or take plastics and other recyclable material home to recycle. 

The initiative was recently launched by Mairi Gougeon MSP for Angus North and Mearns 

Ms Gougeon said:

"Forvie and St Cyrus both have wonderful beaches, which many people enjoy and which support all kinds of wildlife. Marine plastic poses a dangerous threat to these birds and animals. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this grassroots campaign to get us all involved in keeping our marine wildlife safe. And of course you don’t have to stop at three: every item you pick up will make a big difference!"

Therese Alampo, SNH’s St Cyrus reserve manager, added:

"St Cyrus and Forvie are two stunning areas, and it’s a real shame whenever the view is spoiled by litter washing ashore – and worse still is the effect rubbish has on marine wildlife. The community takes pride in our litter-free beach and we want this to continue, and this is an easy and effective way for each person to make a real difference."

The East Grampian Coastal Partnership’s beach litter initiative, Turning the Plastic Tide, is also planning to include up to four additional litter picking stations along the North East coast, encouraging both locals and visitors to Take 3 For The Sea.

Visit the Take 3 For The Sea website to find out more about the international campaign.