Wildfowlers, BASC Young Shots and college students teamed up to gather plastic waste from along the foreshore of a Northern England beauty spot.
They joined forces to clear up an area of the National Nature Reserve shoreline at Lindisfarne.
The ‘plastic pick’ idea was first put to Natural England by John Watson, a member of the Lindisfarne Wildfowling Management group, and within just a few short weeks, more than 50 wildfowlers, Young Shots and Newton Rigg college students were combing the reserve to gather plastic waste.
Gareth Dockerty, BASC North regional officer, said: “The whole morning was a real team effort, involving lots of committed individuals and it fits within a series of Natural England litter picks organised throughout the year.
“The enthusiasm from all involved was amazing, with local wildfowlers, Young Shots and students all doing their bit for the National Nature Reserve.
“After three hours of plastic picking the volunteers then took part in a Taste of Game lunch organized by BASC North at The Barn at Beal restaurant with local pheasant and venison burgers on the menu. The gathering afterwards capped off the morning. It was a perfect opportunity to catch up about the past season for local wildfowlers.”
“We hope to make this a regular event, with another pick in the summer. It would also be wonderful to think other wildfowling clubs across the country could follow this example. The first weekend after the coastal season is over could provide the perfect opportunity for a huge annual wildfowling plastic pick across the country.”
Andrew Craggs, Senior Reserve Manager at Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, said: “Marine litter is an ongoing problem and we have litter picks most weeks throughout the year to help minimize the impacts. It was great to see the wider commitment made by this team – thank you.”
ENDS