Save local wildlife, one piece of litter at a time

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is holding a post-summer beach clean at Worbarrow Bay on Sunday 20 September and is asking for people to come and help remove litter, which is harmful to marine wildlife.

Marine birds often ingest items such as shiny bottle tops, thinking they are fish or fish eggs, but these items can become impacted in the gut and lead to weight loss, reduced fitness and potentially death.

DWT Marine Centre Assistant, Hazel Munt said, “We have had a very windy summer so we’re really concerned about the amount of litter that’s been washed up onto our beaches. A few weeks ago, we rescued a gannet, which was blown onto the beach with a cord wrapped around its beak. It was still alive, and we untangled it and took it to a rescue centre as it was very underweight due to not being able to feed properly. It has now been released, looking much healthier and ready to take on the winter.

We’re asking for volunteers to help us remove litter from the beach, such as discarded fishing line, plastic bottles, nurdles (small pellets of plastic) and anything else that is not natural. You may also find some natural treasures, such as mermaid’s purses!”

Other marine wildlife affected by litter include turtles, dolphins and seals, which can become entangled in plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets and drown as a result.

The Beach Clean is on Sunday 20 September from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Please meet at Worbarrow Bay (map ref SY871797), where you will see the collection trailer. Parking is available at Tyneham nearby. All equipment is provided but please bring refreshments and your own gloves if you have them. For more information, phone 01929 481044.