Roll up your sleeves for estuary clean up
On Saturday 27 September, members of the public are invited to come along to the Imperial Recreation Ground slipway in Exmouth at 1pm for a couple of hours of litter picking followed by a relaxing cruise on the Estuary with free buffet (places limited).
Over the past few years volunteers have made a substantial impact on the health of the globally important Exe Estuary by helping to clear large and often dangerous items of litter that accumulate in the Estuary.
This litter and waste not only detracts from the beautiful landscape and harms wildlife but is also a hazard for people who enjoy using the site for recreation – for walking their dogs, water sports, and bird watching. It is essential for the wildlife, safety and beauty of the Exe that these events continue, but they are completely reliant on your help and support. So, let’s continue the brilliant work done during past clean up events and enjoy the rest of the warm breeze left by our sunny summer.
The 1-hour cruise after the clean up is provided exclusively for volunteers especially by Stuart Line Cruises, and the boat departs from Exmouth Quay at 1pm. It is the perfect way to relish the feeling of a job well done, and the onboard buffet is always appreciated after the exertions of the morning.
Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE, Chairman of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership said, “The regular Exe Estuary Clean Ups are an excellent opportunity and fantastic practical example of residents and local businesses pulling together to improve the environment and safety of the Estuary. They have always been really popular activities for entire families.”
“We are particularly grateful to local organisations such as East Devon District Council and the National Trust, whose help with this event makes a huge difference to the amount of litter that we can clear. The support of local businesses, such as Stuart Line Cruises, Leese’s Skip Hire and Darts farm has proved incredibly important at all of the events we have run and demonstrates their fantastic commitment to the Estuary.”
Some gloves and necessary equipment are provided but it is important that volunteers wear sensible (generally warm!) clothing and footwear such as wellies or old trainers. Families are welcome (including friendly dogs), but children must be accompanied by an adult.
There is no need to book onto the event, just turn up – the more the merrier!
If you have any queries about the Exmouth event, please contact the Exe Estuary Management Partnership on either Tel 01392 382236 or email exeestua@devon.gov.uk
