The SeaScapes partnership delivered a tremendous number of beach cleans throughout the project and the Heritage Coast Partnership kept up that work following the close of SeaScapes in September.

The Trust, working with Durham County Council, is now able to confirm the continuation of beach cleans for at least three years. Funding is being provided, via the Heritage Coast Partnership, to continue the post hosted by Durham Wildlife Trust. The Trust’s officer, Caitlin Elwin, will continue leading the beach cleans and will also deliver ‘Source-to-Sea’ activities and engagement – understanding the journey that litter takes to reach the sea, and working with communities to prevent litter entering river catchments.

Since 2021, 4,511 volunteers have supported 321 beach cleans and collected more than 5,175 bags of rubbish from the Durham coastline. Some of the most common items found during beach cleans include plastic bottles and disposable vapes.

Every year, an estimated 8 million tonnes of litter enters the world’s oceans. Plastic poses the biggest threat to marine wildlife as it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces and enters food chains, working its way up from plankton into the bodies of large fish and marine mammals, such as sharks and dolphins.

Beach cleans are vital in preventing litter from the land entering the sea, and for stopping washed-up litter re-entering the seas at high tide.

Find details of upcoming beach cleans here.

To register your interest in taking part, email: volunteer@durhamwt.co.uk