Call for volunteers to help with plastic clean up at RSPB Marshside

Staff at RSPB Marshside, Southport, are calling on local volunteers to help with their ‘Big Marshside Clean-up’ event on Saturday 26 March.

Following recent high tides, the nature reserve has seen a large amount of plastic and other debris deposited on the site, which poses a risk to wildlife and spoils the beauty of the area.

Marshside is part of the Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve, an internationally important refuge for a variety of wonderful wildlife including large flocks of wigeon and wading birds, as well as the pink-footed geese that the area is famous for.

Alex Pigott, Warden at RSPB Ribble Reserves, said: “While the recent high tides provided a fantastic spectacle for our visitors, bringing birds from the saltmarsh into close view, the downside is they also brought in lots of rubbish.

“We hope lots of people will come along to this event at Marshside to help clean up this beautiful spot. It’s also an ideal opportunity to meet like-minded locals and get out in the fresh air.”

The clean-up event is running from 11am to 3pm and participants should meet at the RSPB Marshside car park, Marine Drive, Southport, PR9 9PJ. Staff will meet volunteers on the hour, every hour, from 11am to 3pm.

Although Marine Drive (the coastal road that passes through the reserve) is currently closed between the RSPB car park and Crossens Roundabout, the car park and hides remain open during these roadworks – please follow diversion signs. The closure is taking place from 25 January – 14 April 2022.

Appropriate waterproof, outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn along with work/garden gloves. Children are very welcome to help but must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry, no dogs (other than assistance dogs) at this event. Gloves and some litter pickers will be available, but people are encouraged to bring their own if they have them. For further details visit www.rspb.org.uk/marshside