Beach blitz helps to save wildlife in Jaywick (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Beach blitz helps to save wildlife in Jaywick

11:00am Thursday 28th February 2013 in News

A BEACH blitz has been carried out to clean up some of the Essex's best coastline and save wildlife.

Volunteers took to Jaywick seafront as part of a special beach clean initiative.
The event was run by Essex Coastal Wardens, who also carried out a litter survey at the same time.

Volunteers met at the Martello Tower, in Belsize Avenue, before heading for the beach in freezing conditions.

Spokesman Emma Webb said litter was a big problem along the coastline.

“It doesn’t just look unpleasant, it can harm and even kill some of our best-loved marine wildlife, including seabirds, turtles and whales who have mistaken marine litter for food and actually eaten it," she said.

“In many cases, this has resulted in starvation, poisoning or entanglement and, ultimately a slow, painful death.”

Emma said the Essex coastline was an internationally important area with a rich variety of wildlife, and that it was vital to keep it clean.

The group is now appealing for volunteers to become official wardens. They will be given free training in how to help look after the coastline.

Emma added: “This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to really become the eyes and ears of the coast and help to protect the wildlife and coastal habitats of Essex.

“We really hope that local residents will feel encouraged to look after their local coastline and we will endeavour to give them all the training they need to do this successfully.”

Anyone interested in taking part should call Emma on 01206 764470 or email at e.webb@tcv.org.uk.