Beach Cleans You Can Volunteer for in the UK

Plastic waste left on our beaches is not only an eyesore, but it is also extremely harmful to wildlife. Often, it can be mistaken for food by animals or washed back into the ocean. Volunteering for a beach clean is a great way to help protect marine life and keep our coastlines as beautiful and natural as they should be. 

If you’re interested in giving back and engaging in a rewarding community activity, join CrossCountry as we explore some of the best beach cleanup projects to get involved with across the UK. 

Waves of Waste Beach Clean

To help keep the Yorkshire coastline clean, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have created the Waves of Waste beach clean. A great opportunity for everyone to get their wellies on, embrace community spirit, and make a difference. There are beach cleans available to join across the county, including Fraisthorpe Beach, Scarborough South Bay, and Filey Beach. All you need to bring is some warm clothes and gloves, as litter pickers and bin bags will be provided. 

If you can’t join a beach clean, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have also placed 2-minute beach clean boards around the coast. They come equipped with a litter picker that’s free to use by anyone – just make sure you put it back when you’re done! 

Million Mile Clean

Surfers Against Sewage began thirty years ago as a small but passionate team of activists. They’d had enough of the waters around the UK not only being invaded by litter but also quickly becoming unsafe to swim in due to raw sewage. Today, the team at Surfers Against Sewage is still small and tenacious, but it’s now a nationwide movement that you can be a part of. Whether it’s emailing your MP, fundraising, or helping out with beach clean volunteering. 

The Million Mile Clean began in 2021 and spans the whole of the UK, from beaches and canals to parks and city streets. It’s about tackling the huge problem of plastic pollution while coming together as a community. To find an upcoming clean near you, just check out the map or register your own clean! 

Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean

Each year in September, the Marine Conservation Society hosts the Great British Beach Clean. It’s a popular event with thousands of well-meaning people taking part over the course of a week. Not only does it help clear the coastline across the UK and Northern Ireland, but the litter data collected also aids their conservation work throughout the rest of the year. So far, this data has been used to make a medley of positive societal changes, including the introduction of the plastic bag charge and improved labelling on wet wipes. 

It’s easy to find a beach clean-up volunteering project near you, just check the events on the Marine Conservation Society’s website. If driving isn’t an option, CrossCountry can help you reach a range of beach cleans. Aberdeen Beach, for example, is a short bus ride from Aberdeen station and from Haymarket, it’s a short walk to Queensferry Street where you can get a bus to Cramond Beach. 

Adnams Beach Cleanup 

Adnams, known for their premium beers and spirits, are big on sustainability. They donate a percentage of their profits to community endeavours, their entire business runs on a 100% certified renewable electricity supply, and they feed pigs and cows any excess grain and yeast. It’s no surprise that they are also passionate about the health and welfare of our beaches. 

The Adnams Beach Clean takes place on Southwold Beach a couple of times a year. The data they collect from surveys goes to the Marine Conservation Society to help them track the quantity of litter found in the UK. Afterwards, you’ll be treated to complimentary fish and chips and a drink – a fitting reward for a hard day's work. 

How to organise a beach clean

You don’t need to join an official beach clean to make a difference to your local environment. Why not get together with friends and family and organise your own beach clean-up?  

• Go with your family or a group of friends – large groups can be difficult to manage, so if it’s your first time organising a beach clean, stick to a smaller group to start with.
• Make sure you know where your nearest recycling centre is, so you can ensure the plastic you collect is separated and disposed of correctly.
• All litter pickers should wear hard-wearing gloves – you may find the odd bit of glass or sharp object while cleaning the beach.
• Use durable bags or buckets to collect your litter, you don’t want a bin liner full of rubbish to split on the beach and undo all your hard work!
• Stay away from anything unsafe, like biohazards or potentially dangerous chemicals. If you see anything you think may be dangerous, report it to the council or landowner. 

If you’re planning to take part in a beach clean, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.