After a brief period discussing the risks that were presented by some of the debris we might come across – sadly syringes are a common feature – we set out to tidy one of Wigtownshire’s most dramatic and best used stretches of coastline. Some of those helping were regular users of the beach and had a direct interest in the clean-up. One of them, Sheila, had taken her dog to the vet earlier last year when it had picked up a wound from a fishing hook washed up on the sand.

 

After two and a half hours filling black rubbish bags, we were all left with a huge sense of achievement, whilst being shocked at the sheer amount of rubbish that we had collected. I had no idea of the sheer number of plastic bottles (and bottle-tops!) which are abandoned at sea – making a very timely reminded of how man has changed our environment, often for the worse. But for those concerned with potential damage to wildlife, we collected a massive amount of fishing line which would be deadly to sea life, particularly porpoise and sea birds. Seeing that removed from the coastline made this social action project very rewarding, despite the sandstorm!

 

So, after two failed attempts to wash the sand from my hair, I can look back on a project that has made a difference on one of the most scenic beaches in Wigtownshire.