VOLUNTEERS are being recruited to help record and clean up litter from Suffolk's coastline.

David Green

VOLUNTEERS are being recruited to help record and clean up litter from Suffolk's coastline.

Thirty groups have already registered for this year's Beachwatch event on the weekend of September 20/21.

Much of the activity will take place within the nationally designated Suffolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Beachwatch is a national scheme organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and coordinated in Suffolk by the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit.

All the litter collected - including plastic, metal cans and discarded fishing line - is recorded and the information used by the MCS to identify the sources, target offenders and lobby government.

Litter discarded on the coastline or brought in by the tides not only makes beaches unsightly it is responsible for the deaths of seabirds and other marine creatures.

Lynn Allen, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit countryside officer, said: “We are very keen to provide opportunities for people to actively care for their AONB - which is a key aim of the recently published management plan - and Beachwatch provides an excellent opportunity to do this.

“Each group surveys a section of beach recording and collecting rubbish. All equipment is provided, either by Suffolk Coastal District Council or by ourselves and because the event is so popular we have had to buy more.”

The clean-up and survey is being sponsored by Hutchison Ports, the Volunteer Flying Squad and the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Connect scheme, which enables visitors to the area to contribute to its upkeep.

Southwold brewer, Adnams, is organising the local Beachwatch survey and providing a free beer voucher for every participating adult.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the event should contact Mrs Allen on 01394 384948.