Our My Beach Your Beach campaign campaign aims to inspire beach users to take better care of the sand and sea. At the forefront of these efforts are amazing local community groups, who are already leading the way, by taking ownership and pride in their beach and other spaces.
As another bathing season comes to a close, we turn a spotlight onto some of the groups that we work with through the campaign. Allan from the Three Towns Clean Up Crew and Stan from the Kinghorn Harbour Residents' Group answered some questions to give a glimpse into life as a community volunteer. Read on to learn more.
Getting to know....Three Towns Clean Up Crew
Saltcoats/Ardrossan is the latest addition to the My Beach Your Beach family this year. Allan from the local Three Towns Clean Up Crew answers some questions about being involved:
How long has the group been active and how and why did it come about?
We created the group early last year, after discussing it for a couple of years. We have been doing Beach Cleans for several years and had been talking about formalising a litter group for our area.
How many people are currently involved?
The are well over 100 people who access our Facebook page, but we have between 15-20 active members.
What are your motivations for being involved?
Concern over litter and the effect it has on the environment. Additionally, I find doing litter picks very therapeutic.
I find doing litter picks very therapeutic.
What's it like being a volunteer?
We have arranged several litter picks in targeted areas. I take a litter grabber with me to collect my paper most days, as I have adopted my street as part of being a member of Ayrshire Litter Volunteer Network,which unfortunately is now defunct. Most days,at least four per week, my wife and I visit our local beach(Ardrossan North Shore, which we have adopted also as part of ALVN and usually clear a bag of two of litter over the four visits. I also look after part of the local SUSTRANS cycle route, usually doing this every 2-3 weeks.
You come to the beach to enjoy it. Why leave the area in a worse state than when you arrived
Best part of being involved:
Feeling you are doing something. The relaxation I get from it and the thanks you often get from members of the General Public.
Worst part of being involved:
Despite our efforts, people still drop litter.
Most notable beach clean find:
A £20 note. Several bank cards (returned to the bank) and a mobile phone (returned to it’s owner).
What is your message to those leaving a mess on the beach when they visit?
You come to the beach to enjoy it. Why leave the area in a worse state than when you arrived.
How can people get involved in/ support the group?
Through our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/threetownscleanupcrew.
Any events coming up?
Weekly picks on a Wednesday at the Ardrossan South Beach, which has recently been added to the My Beach Your Beach campaign.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We are always looking for suggestions of other areas to target in Ardrossan,Saltcoats and Stevenston.
Getting to know....Kinghorn Harbour Residents Group
Kinghorn Harbour Residents' Group have supported the campaign at Kinghorn beach since 2019. Here, Stan from the group tells us a bit more about what they get up to:
How long has the group been active and how and why did it come about?Approximately 20 years. It came about to represent the views of the people who live in the harbour area and to take care of the beach.
How many people are currently involved?
10+
What are your motivations for being involved?
To take care of the nice area where we live for residents and visitors.
We live in a lovely place and hope that visitors treat it with the respect it deserves.
What's involved in being a volunteer?
We do litter surveys for the Marine Conservation Society three times a year. We also plant up and water barrels, planters and flower beds in our area, including our popular ‘shipwreck planter’.
Best part of being involved:
Thinking that what you are doing is worthwhile and making a positive impact.
Worst part of being involved:
Having to clear up after people who do not treat the area with consideration.
Most notable beach clean find:
Christmas tree complete with decorations!
What is your message to those leaving a mess on the beach when they visit?
Would you like the beach to be like this when you arrive?
How can people get involved in/ support the group?
For beach surveys contact the Marine Conservation Society, otherwise the secretary at stantonguthrie@hotmail.co.uk
Any events coming up?
Great British Beach Clean on the third weekend in September.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We live in a lovely place and hope that visitors treat it with the respect it deserves.
