MCS is the UK charity for our seas, beaches and wildlife

Organiser Booklet

Beachwatch

MCS President: HRH The Prince of WalesRegistered Charity Number (England & Wales): 1004005Registered Charity Number (Scotland): SC037480

Thank you for all your hard work and support!

Your efforts really do make a difference - the results collected by Beachwatchvolunteers are analysed by MCSand published in the BeachwatchSummary Report in the followingspring. A complimentary summarycopy will be sent to all Organisers,giving details of the Beachwatchresults and how your efforts havehelped. The data is used by MCS toraise awareness of the impacts oflitter, to campaign at national andInternational levels on marine litterissues and to promote measures toreduce litter at source.

By organising a Beachwatch Big Weekend event, you really are helping us to turn the tide on litter!

Marine Conservation Society Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7USTel: 01989 567807 Fax: 01989 567815E-mail: beachwatch@mcsuk.org

www.mcsuk.org www.adoptabeach.org.uk www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

MarineConservationSocietyMCS

Supported by

An introduction to Beachwatch Big Weekend

The Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Beachwatch survey and beach clean up is a national event that has taken place every September since 1993, with help from MCS members, supporters and the general public.

Thousands of volunteers from all around the UK take part in this national event to clean up our coast and support the international campaign to reduce litter on our beaches and at sea. Litter not only spoils our enjoyment of the coast but also causes the death or injury of wildlife through entanglement and/or ingestion. Beachwatch raises awareness about the impacts of marine pollution on human health and wildlife.

Your beach will be cleaned of unsightly, and potentially dangerous rubbish, and the record you make of items collected on the beach will be used in our litter campaigns. The results of all beach surveys are published in the annual MCS Beachwatch Report and Summary in the spring. As an organiser, you will automatically receive a complimentary copy of this Summary report.

ContentsWelcome to BeachwatchThank you for taking part in Beachwatch Big Weekend, the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) annual national beach clean up and litter survey.

Whether you are an experienced Beachwatch organiser, or you are co-ordinating your first clean up and survey, this pack contains all you need to ensure that your event runs smoothly and safely.

Supported by

1 An introduction to Beachwatch Big Weekend

2 Selecting your beach3 Contacting the local council/

beach owner4 Sponsorship5 Safety guidelines6 Promoting your Beachwatch

Big Weekend event7 Recruiting volunteers8 Organising supplies9 Your Beachwatch Big

Weekend event a At the beach on the day b Briefing volunteers c Carrying out the survey d Stranded marine animals

10 After the survey11 Reporting your results to MCS

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MCS uses your results to highlight the main sources of litter, target major polluters and urge action to reduce pollution at source. Beachwatch results have been instrumental in focusing the attention of Government, industry and the public on their responsibility to keep the seas and beaches clear of litter.

Beachwatch is part of the MCS Campaign for Clean Seas, sponsored by SeaFrance and The Co-operative.

Beachwatch is the flagship event of the MCS Adopt-a-Beach scheme, which encourages volunteers to survey and clean up beach litter four times a year, and use the results to tackle local sources of litter.

Beachwatch is part of the International Coastal Clean up, which takes place in over 90 countries worldwide on the 3rd weekend in September every year, so your contribution is truly global!

COVER IMAGE: © RICHARD HARRINGTON/MCS ILLUSTRATION: REBECCA GIBBON

Some questions to consider when selecting your beach

Selecting your beach

Beachwatch registration formIf you haven’t done so already, all new organisers need to complete this form and return it to MCS. Existing organisers only need to complete this form if their contact or beach details have changed from last year.

Choose any sand, pebble or rocky coastal beach (as this is a beach clean, please do not survey mud flats or estuaries).

Find out the Ordnance Survey grid reference from a local OS Land Ranger map.

Contact the Marine Conservation Society with the name of your chosen beach to ensure the beach is not already being surveyed.

Visit the beach before the day - carry out a simple Risk Assessment (guidelines and form included) prior to the event. This will ensure volunteer safety, through the identification of any potential hazards at the beach. Copies of the completed Risk Assessment should be attached to each parental consent form.

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Weather - note weather conditions at the beach in the week before the survey, such as onshore/offshore winds, heavy rain, rough seas, as this may affect the amount of litter found on the beach.

When to watch - Study local tide tables, which may be bought in, for example, local book stores, newsagents, water sports shops etc. Tide information may also be found on the internet. The collection should begin 1-2 hours after high water.

Make sure the beach clean finishes well within daylight hours to allow for packing up, rubbish disposal etc.

IMPORTANT NOTEFor the survey data to be valid Beachwatch Big Weekend events MUST take place over the third weekend of September.

Is there easy access to the shoreline?Is there a telephone nearby? Can rubbish bags be easily carried to a suitable collection point?Are there adequate toilet and refreshment facilities? Can people get there by public transport? Is there adequate parking available off the beach?

Contacting the local council or beach owner

You must obtain permission to carry out your Beachwatch survey from the local council, or beach owner if it is privately owned. You will need to give the date and time of the beach clean and the approximate number of people taking part.

Beach name - confirm the name of the beach with the council or owner. Check that they are not already cleaning the beach on the day, and when the last clean before Beachwatch will be taking place (most will have stopped by September).

Organise collection points for the rubbish. You should arrange for the litter to be collected through your local council’s Environmental Health Department.

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Rubbish bags - ask the council if they will supply rubbish bags, if not try a local business.

Recycling - recycle as much of the litter you collect as possible.

Gloves - it is very important to protect your hands while picking up litter. Most councils are willing to lend gloves to the collectors, or it may be worth contacting a local garden centre and asking if they could supply gloves in exchange for free publicity.

Sponsorship4

Getting sponsoredyour Beachwatch event is a good way of fundraising for MCS campaigns. If you and your volunteers can be sponsored by family, friends or local businesses, you will be helping us continue our conservation work to protect the marine environment and its wildlife.

Sponsorship Formplease use the official Sponsorship Form provided.

Returning sponsorship money make sure that your volunteers know what to do with their sponsorship money after collection - they can either pass all money and forms to you for forwarding to MCS, or they can send the money directly to MCS. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to ‘MCS’.

Any funds you raise help MCS care for our seas, beaches and wildlife.

Safety guidelines

Safety for volunteers is the most important part of the event.

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You should carry out a Risk Assessment (guidelines and form included) at the beach prior to the event. Any potential hazards you identify can be pointed out to volunteers at the event briefing (see ‘Your Beachwatch event’, section 9).

Gloves must be worn at all times by volunteers whilst collecting litter.

Suitable clothing, including sturdy footwear and waterproofs, plus suntan lotion, food and drink should be brought by volunteers on the day.

Tides - note the times of the tides for the day in advance, and keep an eye on the tide level during the Beachwatch survey.

Notify the Coastguard if your Beachwatch is taking place on a remote beach, giving approximate numbers of those taking part and details of start and finish times etc.

Head counts - ensure you always do a head count at the beginning and end of the beach clean.

A first-aid kit is essential, as is someone who knows how to use it!

Emergency phone - make sure volunteers know where the nearest

telephone is, and remind them that the Coastguard can be contacted by dialling 999.

Mobile phones can be out of reception areas on beaches so, if you intend to use one for emergencies, check the reception prior to the event.

Sharp objects, such as syringes and sharp glass, must be handled with extreme care and placed in suitable rigid containers - not in rubbish bags. Some local councils have special teams, who will collect syringes when found in public places.

Be careful of slippery rocks, mud flats and other potential hazards, such as lifting items which are too heavy for you.

Don’t touch any containers or drums that look as if they contain hazardous substances, or any unfamiliar objects. For their own safety, try to keep inquisitive volunteers away. Contact the local council, or Maritime and Coastguard Agency with details.

Avoid disturbing wild animals - make sure you are not interfering with nesting sites etc. You may wish to survey another area of the beach if you think you may cause significant disturbance to wildlife.

Children (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult at all times and have a signed Parental Consent Form (and a copy of the Risk Assessment).

Guidance on Insurance

Employer’s LiabilityThe Marine Conservation Society (MCS), as a national charity, conforms to statutory requirements with regard to employer’s liability, and this has been extended to include volunteers on reasonable activities including beach litter cleans and surveys. The limit of liability for any one occurrence is £10 million.

Important noteThis insurance covers only illness, injury or death caused by the employer’s (MCS) negligence, or breach of duty, to employees and authorised volunteers. It does not cover situations where MCS has shown the required standard of care. Your attention is drawn to the section in this handbook on health and safety and risk assessment, the observance of which is mandatory.

Public LiabilityMCS also has insurance cover for public liability (third party insurance) to protect MCS from claims by members of the public for death, illness, injury, loss of or damage to property caused through the negligence of MCS or someone working for it (including authorised volunteers). The limit of liability for any one event is £5 million.

Safety of Children

Our insurance cover does not allow MCS volunteers to be in charge of or responsible for children.

As an MCS Beachwatch organiser please ensure that the following procedure is strictly adhered to:

Obtain a signed parental consent form for all children under 18, that specifies who the responsible adult accompanying the child will be. The adult accompanying the child must be their legal guardian or in official loco parentis - examples include: their parent, another relative, their school teacher, Scout or Youth Leader.

Unaccompanied children must not be allowed to take part.

AccidentsOrganisers are required to record details of any accident or incident of concern dur-ing a Beachwatch event and report this to MCS.

Promoting your Beachwatch event

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Local daily and weekly papers are very keen to cover local environmental initiatives, especially as it is an excellent photo opportunity and involves the local community. An article in the local press is a good way of recruiting volunteers.

Media Information Pack - this includes press guidelines, template press releases and facts and figures on marine and coastal litter, which can be used for recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event and your results.

Contact the media - send Beachwatch Big Weekend press releases to local press, TV and radio stations using the guidelines in the Media Information Pack.

Celebrities - contact your local MP and celebrities who live or work in your area to ask if they will help. This is good publicity for you (and them!) and will increase your chances of greater media coverage.

Remind the local media again the day before your Beachwatch Big Weekend event - this is an opportunity to let them know the final details of time and location.

Recruiting volunteers7

Finding volunteers - There are endless sources of potential volunteers out there! Ask everyone you can think of to take part - friends, family, colleagues, clubs, associations, schools, local businesses, hotels, the council, and so on.

Advertise your Beachwatch - fill in your details on the template poster provided, photocopy it and place in shops, libraries, sports clubs, tourist offices etc. We can also list your contact details on our Beachwatch Big Weekend event lists on-line.

Provide all volunteers with a copy of the volunteer guidelines, sponsorship forms, and the parental consent form for children under 18 years old, together with a copy of the Risk Assessment.

Advise volunteers where and when they should meet on the day - draw a map if necessary. Encourage car-sharing or travel by public transport. Let volunteers know if there are any items they should bring with them on the day, such as gloves, food, suntan lotion (see Section 9).

Organising supplies8

Once you have an idea of how many people will be participating, photocopy a sufficient number of forms. If you are unable to photocopy the sheets yourself, please contact MCS for extra copies. You will need to send the following to your volunteers in advance:

Photocopy the following to distribute on the day:

Volunteer Guidelines - also have a few spare copies on the day.

Parental Consent Forms – To be signed by the parent or guardian of children under 18. Attach a copy of the Risk Assessment.

Sponsorship Forms - distribute as needed.

First-aid kit.

Clipboards or large piece of cardboard for each team.

Blank paper for noting items not listed on the volunteer survey sheets, such as foreign, traceable or unusual items, and stranded or dead marine animals.

Volunteer Survey Sheets

Litter Identification Guides

You will also need to supply, or ensure your volunteers bring, the following items:

Pencils and erasers, as ink can run if it rains.

Protective gloves, which should be available from your local authority or garden centre.

Litter pickers should be used if possible. Your local council may provide these.

Rubbish bags, which may be obtained from councils or your local supermarket.

Rigid container with sealable lid for sharps, such as syringes and broken glass.

Scales to weigh the bags of rubbish - bathroom scales will do.

A measure, such as a pedometer (wooden or electric) or tape measure, to measure the exact area of beach cleaned.

Refreshments, as beach clean ups are hungry, thirsty work!

A camera - if you record your event you may get your picture in the paper, and MCS would appreciate a copy of your best photos.

Your Beachwatch event9

The key to your event being a resounding success is effective organisation on the day. These brief guidelines should help you make sure your event runs smoothly and safely.

a At the beach on the day

i. Setting upEstablish a central organiser point e.g. table, trailer or your car boot.

Measure and mark out your survey area - a minimum of 100m in length (see section 9c).

Ensure all cars are parked legally and will not cause a nuisance.

ii. Organising your volunteersCall all of your volunteers to the central organiser point to brief them before they carry out the survey, and to organise them into teams.

Volunteer prize draw sheet Everyone taking part in Beachwatch Big Weekend can take part in our free prize draw – please ask volunteers to provide their details should they wish to enter – see forms enclosed.

Equipment - Issue volunteers with volunteer survey sheets (not the survey summary form), litter identification guides, rubbish bags, blank paper, clipboards and pencils.

Divide volunteers into groups of between 2 to 4 people, making sure there is an even distribution of muscle power, and that members of each group keep together. Ensure there is at least one adult for a maximum of 4 young volunteers (under 18).

Allocate roles within each group - one person should record the data accurately on the volunteer survey sheet, whilst the other members of the team collect the rubbish and identify each item to the data collector. Volunteers can swap roles during the collection.

Allocate an area of beach to each team - you can divide the survey area up in any way, as long as it is all covered.

Remember to make sure that all volunteers are aware of any potential hazards during the survey, and that they know where to get first-aid and the location of the emergency phone.

The briefing is essential as it provides volunteers with all the information they need to carry out a Beachwatch survey safely and effectively. Make a checklist of the points you need to cover in the briefing and tick them off as you go.

A well-briefed team will make a happy, efficient band of Beachwatchers! Take your time during the briefing and make sure you cover all the points above for a straightforward, fun and, above all, safe Beachwatch.

Responsibility – YOU MUST remind all volunteers that they carry out the litter collection and survey at their own risk.

Young volunteers (under 18) should have a signed parental consent form (which should have been accompanied by a completed copy of the Risk Assessment). Make sure they are in a team with adults so they can be properly supervised.

Safety guidelines - see the Risk Assessment and safety guidelines (Section 5).

Areas to avoid along the beach, such as mud flats, where there may be rockfalls from cliffs and so on - these should have been identified in the Risk Assessment.

Tides - inform volunteers of the tide times so they can avoid being caught out by rising tides.

Survey area - the area allocated to each team to be surveyed.

Data recording - how to record the data accurately (see carrying out the survey, section 9c).

What to do with strange or hazardous objects, animals, foreign and traceable items etc.

What they should not collect i.e. natural debris such as driftwood, seaweed and faeces.

Collection point - when and where to return bags of litter ready for collection at the end of the event. Ensure that all bags are tightly secured at the top.

The location of toilet and refreshment facilities.

b Briefing volunteers

To ensure the Marine Conservation Society’s database on marine litter is as accurate as possible, it is important that all Beachwatch Big Weekend surveys are conducted using the same methods and with the same degree of accuracy. So that your valuable efforts are not wasted by collecting data MCS is unable to use, Organisers should ensure surveys are carried out according to these guidelines:

c Carrying out the survey

Survey area - the survey should be carried out between the current high water mark (the strandline) and the upper edge of the usable part of the beach (e.g. up to the edge of the dunes, sea wall, or promenade).

Survey length - the survey should be carried out along a stretch of beach a 100m in length (unless the beach is less than 100m). It is essential that you record the total length and width of beach surveyed.

If you have time (and energy!) you can continue cleaning along further stretches of beach but please remember to send us your 100m survey summary data.

Every item of litter within the survey area should be removed and recorded. It is more important that a small area of beach is surveyed well than a large stretch half-heartedly and, as a result, inaccurately. Remember, small pieces of plastic (there may be a lot!) can be a threat to wildlife and should be removed and recorded. Estimates or averages cannot be accepted for data analysis.

The Marine Conservation Society cannot be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by any volunteer whilst taking part in the Beachwatch Big Weekend beach clean and survey.

containers; cotton buds washed up on the beach often look like plastic lolly sticks; remains of condoms often look like elastic bands. A litter identification guide is included to help you.

‘Other’ items - items that do not fit into any of the categories listed on the volunteer survey sheet should be entered into the ‘other’ category and a brief description of the item given.

Unusual litter - volunteers should note any particularly unusual items on a sheet of paper, to be entered onto the survey summary form by the Organiser.

Foreign litter - volunteers should note any litter obviously originating from abroad on a separate sheet of paper. Organisers should transfer these details to the survey summary form.

Stranded, entangled or dead marine animals - volunteers should note any injured or dead marine mammals found on a separate sheet of paper. Details on what to do and who to contact can be found in section 9d.

Other pollutants - volunteers should note the presence of oil or tar on the volunteer survey sheet, and any other pollutants on a separate sheet of paper. If you encounter a pollution event or an algal bloom, contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060.

Traceable litter - note any litter items that are directly traceable to an individual or company. If you do come across a form of pollution that can be traced to a specific source - such as a cup from a cruise ship, a balloon with a company logo, or a chemical container with a codename on it you should:

- Take down the serial number, company logo or any other indication of who the polluter was. If possible, photograph the item found.

- Send copies of any photographs, together with information on where and when the item was found and any further details, to MCS.

NB: The manufacturer of the product is not necessarily the polluter.

Clean areas are recorded too - if, on arrival at the beach, the area you planned to survey is very clean, please record this and include it in the total area surveyed - even if you move on to a different stretch of the same beach. Data on clean beaches is just as important to us.

Different beach - if you have to survey a different beach to the one planned, please ensure that the correct name is allocated to the survey summary and send us the new beach details using the Beachwatch registration form.

Tally count - volunteers should count items in fives (i.e. l l l l ) and record the total in the right-hand column (see volunteer survey sheet). To make your data count, please make sure that actual numbers are used - words such as ‘lots’, ‘many’ or ‘100s’ cannot be used for our data analysis.

Litter identification - ensure that volunteers recording the data understand what every item on the volunteer survey sheet is, for example, strapping bands are the strong strips of plastic used for securing boxes and

d Stranded Marine Animals

If you find a live stranded or injured marine animal, firstly don’t panic! Send for help quickly by contacting the:RSPCA – 0300 1234 999SSPCA (in Scotland) – 03000 999 999or British Divers for Marine Life Rescue - 01825 765546

Marine animals may carry diseases that can cause illness in humans - please avoid contact with a stranded mammal, and seek medical advice if you develop any flu-like symptoms or sinusitis following any contact with an animal.

Stranded Cetaceans (Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises) Give accurate details of the animal’s location, and follow the guidelines below whilst you are waiting for help to arrive:

Avoid physical contact - you should still be able to assist the animal without actually touching it.

Do not attempt to move the animal - wait for the experts to arrive. Do not pull the animal by its fins or tail, and be very careful of its teeth and tail. Whales and dolphins are powerful animals - do not put yourself at risk.

Keep the animal cool and wet by dousing with seawater to prevent dehydration - be very careful not to get water down the blowhole. A damp blanket draped over the animal will help, but be sure not to cover the blowhole.

Reduce stress to the animal by keeping dogs and members of the public away. Avoid sudden movements and noises.

Please report any dead cetacean you find on the beach to: The Natural History Museum, London on 0207 9425155 for cetaceans found in the UK or Bob Reid in Scotland on 01463 243030 / 07979245893.

Seals Turtles

If you find a seal on the beach please keep your distance - do not approach or touch the animal. Seals regularly come out of the sea to rest, and young seal pups are often left by their mothers who may be hunting offshore. Seals are very strong animals and their bite can leave a nasty wound which can often become infected. Seals also carry diseases, which may be passed on to humans.

If you think that the seal is sick, injured or really abandoned then telephone for help - either the RSPCA 0300 1234 999 or SSPCA (in Scotland) 03000 999 999 - and keep people and their dogs away until help arrives.

If you find a dead seal washed up on the beach please inform the Marine Mammals Stranding Unit on 0207 449 6672.

If you find an entangled or stranded turtle, rapid action can help them, but be careful as a bite from a large turtle can be dangerous. Seek assistance from experts who are trained to deal with strandings.

Call the expertsDepending upon which area you live in please contact one the following:England/Wales Rod Penrose: 01348 875000 www.strandings.com or RSPCA: 0300 1234 999 ScotlandSSPCA: 03000 999 999 Northern IrelandPortrush Countryside Centre: 02870 823600 (24 hrs)

You should also inform the local Coastguard (number in your lo-cal directory).

After the Survey10

Head count - count your volunteers to ensure that everyone has returned safely.

Photos - A photograph of your volunteers with all the rubbish you have collected is a great way of illustrating exactly what your group has achieved, and will make an interesting picture for your local press. MCS would also appreciate a copy.

Bag count - count and record the total number of bags of litter and weigh the rubbish in kilograms. If you do not have scales on site a general guide is one black bin liner = approx. 6 kg. (If you do estimate the weight, please note this on the form).

Measure the total length and width of beach surveyed in metres and record this on the survey summary form. This is very important as data returned without this information cannot be used in the Beachwatch report.

Collect all volunteer survey sheets and keep them together. Ensure that the correct beach name is on all the volunteer survey sheets.

Survey summary form - add up the total number for each litter item on all the volunteer survey sheets and transfer to the survey summary. Complete as much information as possible.

Litter collection - ensure all rubbish is placed safely at the arranged collection point, with recyclables in separate bags if practical.

Don’t forget, if you are having an event after the survey, such as a picnic or barbeque, make sure that before eating everyone has washed their hands.

Reporting your results to MCS11

Compiling your data - please add up the total number for each item of litter recorded on all volunteer survey sheets and enter the totals on the survey summary form. Remember to include the date and time of your survey, the total length and width of beach surveyed and the number of volunteers.

Returning survey data – NEW for 2009: On-line survey summary form, please see details in your organiser letter! Return the survey summary data to MCS as soon as possible, but no later than one month after the survey date. This is very important for the data analysis and publication of the Beachwatch report.

Survey summary forms may also be returned by post using the MCS freepost address: MCS, FREEPOST HR391, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5ZZ, (putting a stamp on your envelope will help us in our conservation work).

Sponsorship - volunteers may return their sponsorship money and forms to you, for forwarding to MCS, or they may send any money collected directly to MCS. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to ‘MCS’. Sponsorship money may be sent separately to the Survey Form.

Photographs - And don’t forget to send us your photos! Please send any photographs taken to MCS as soon as possible. Ensure that they are clearly labelled with the beach name, date taken and photographer’s credit.

IMPORTANT NOTE:Survey summary data not returned within one month of the survey date cannot be used in the Beachwatch analysis and report.

Notes