Local M&S volunteers set to tackle Wembury Beach litter

Marks & Spencer (M&S) Plymouth employees are descending on Wembury beach to free it from litter as part of this year’s Big Beach Clean-up.

Taking place on Friday 25 April from 10am, the Big Beach Clean-up is hosted in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and invites local residents to join in the litter picking activities. Customers that register for the event in advance at www.mcsuk.org/foreverfish will also receive a money-off M&S voucher on the day of their beach clean.

95 UK beaches and 45 canals across the UK will be targeted between 24th and 30th April with thousands of volunteers – including M&S customers, employees and Marine Conservation Society volunteers – taking part.

This year’s target is to clear more than last year’s massive haul of 30 tonnes of litter – the equivalent weight of two double decker buses. Most of the litter collected will be common waste items such as fishing nets, ropes and bottles tops. However last year M&S beach and canal cleaners found an array of unusual items including a bath, coffee maker, HM Prison Service toothbrush and a Freeview box.

Additionally, MCS will take the opportunity to assess the impact this year’s storms have had on beach litter and debris at locations across the country.

Sacha Berendji, Director of Retail at Marks & Spencer, said: “Our Big Beach Clean-up 2013 exceeded all expectations and made a significant impact on local communities. This year our beaches and canals, and in turn our marine life, need us and our army of volunteers more than ever before. It’s a fun, outdoor activity and I’m confident we can go one step further and surpass last year’s litter haul. And, as an incentive, there’s a £5 money-off voucher for every customer that gets involved.” 

Samantha Fanshawe, MCS Chief Executive, said: “This week of action is a great opportunity to clean up some of our best loved beaches and remove litter that has built up following recent storms.  Rubbish washed up or left on beaches not only harms wildlife but spoils our enjoyment of the coast too, so the more people that take part the more litter we can remove from harm’s way.  Throughout the year, there will be activities and resources for schoolchildren to learn more about our seas and the fascinating marine life they support.”

The M&S Big Beach Clean-up is part of M&S’ Forever Fish campaign which is funded by the profits from the 5p carrier bag charge in M&S foodhalls. Since its introduction in 2008, the charge has reduced carrier bag use by 75 per cent and raised over £6 million for good causes.  

Customers can find out more www.marksandspencer.com/plana and follow the event on twitter @marksandspencer or search #beachclean and facebook.