The MCS Plymouth Local Group actively takes part in the MCS Adopt-a-Beach project. Our adopted beach is at Batten Bay, and we are responsible for cleaning it four times a year. We also participate in the Beachwatch event, which take place on the third weekend in September in each year. More information on both projects can be found on http://www.adoptabeach.org.uk.

Beach cleanups are extremely important as they help to keep the beach clean and safe both for marine life and beach visitors. Marine litter is both unsightly and potentially dangerous - thousands of animals die each year through ingestion of and entanglement in litter. The MCS uses the data we collect from our cleanup surveys to target marine litter at local, national and international levels. Volunteering at a beach cleanup is therefore very rewarding, as you know that you have really helped to make a difference to the marine environment. If you would like to get involved, please email mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com.

Click here for the Beach Cleans Gallery | Click here for the Beach Litter Gallery

If you've never participated in a cleanup before, don't worry - it's really easy, and everything is explained before we start. All materials needed for the cleanup are provided but you may wish to bring some refreshments with you. You should wear suitable clothing (bear in mind the weather conditions on the day) and sturdy footwear. Everyone is welcome, although children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and volunteers should note that they participate at their own risk.

We also look out for skate and ray eggcases during our beach clean to assist the Shark Trust with their research - see their website for more details.

To download a copy of the MCS Beach Clean Volunteer Guide, please click here!

2008

Saturday 12th January, 10.30am
We will be holding two cleanups, one at Jennycliffe and one at Batten Bay, in conjunction with the Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN), British Trust Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and Volunteers in Plymouth (ViP). We will be meeting in the car park at Jennycliffe at 10.30am then heading over to Batten Bay around 12.00pm. At Batten Bay, the group will be split in two, with one group doing the cleanup and one group doing a Seashore Safari led by MarLIN. The groups will then swap so you will get a chance to try both activities. The event will be followed by a BBQ on the beach at Batten Bay. Please email us on mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com if you are planning to attend so we can get a rough idea of numbers.

Saturday 29th March
Beach cleanup at Batten Bay. Meeting at 11.00am at Batten Bay at the top of the steps. Please email us on mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com if you are planning to attend so we can get a rough idea of numbers.

Sunday 22nd June
Beach cleanup at Batten Bay. Meeting at 10.00am at Batten Bay at the top of the steps. Please email us on mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com if you are planning to attend so we can get a rough idea of numbers.

Saturday 20th September
Beach clean and underwater cleanup at Batten Bay for the MCS Beachwatch weekend and PADI Project AWARE International Underwater Cleanup Day. Meeting at 10.30am at Batten Bay at the top of the steps. Please email us on mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com if you are planning to attend so we can get a rough idea of numbers. Please note that anyone wishing to participate in the underwater cleanup should bring their own kit, in test, as we cannot provide this for you. In Deep dive centre is located at Mount Batten and have air fill facilities for divers. Their dive club will be joining us for this event.