Weekend could see 'perfect litter storm'

This weekend could see a perfect storm for litter as multiple factors collide.

Easing restrictions, predicted sunny spells and the four day weekend will drive more people to spend time at the coast.

That means there's a risk beaches could be awash with litter as bins, volunteers and rangers struggle to keep up with the demand.

When lockdown restrictions eased last year many from all over the country travelled to local beauty spots. Durdle Door in Dorset was particularly badly hit.

Rangers there say they were collecting over 100 bags of litter per day during the height of the summer.

Hugo Tagholm is the chief exec of Surfers Against Sewage. He said:

"We all have to recognise there's a huge plastic pollution problem across the country already, but this Easter weekend is likely to be the perfect storm for plastic pollution and litter.

"People of course have been cooped up through lockdown because of the pandemic, it's going to be a sunny weeked in parts of the country, people can see their friends and family outside.

"We've already seen during the fine weather just what an impact this can have with parks and beaches and other spaces being strewn with plastic, pollution, with litter, and all sorts of things that people leave behind them.

"This is just not how we need to treat our wild, green and blue spaces."

The Lulworth Rangers who manage Durdle Door are calling on us to abide by three behaviours this weekend:

• Firstly, to take home with you what you bring, including picnic rubbish, clothing, nappies, bags, umbrellas, rugs and more. If it is yours, we thank you for looking after it

• Secondly, not to light fires. Cold or hot takeaway picnics are welcome, but use flasks or insulated containers, not BBQ’s and open fires that can ignite large swathes of the Countryside.

• Thirdly, be prepared. Wear good sturdy shoes to the countryside and beach. No-one wants their day trip to end with a long ambulance wait for a broken ankle. The NHS are already under immense pressure.

Maddy Pfaff is the Head Ranger. She said:

"We'd really like people to take their litter home, responsibly dispose of it either in the bin or take it away in their car.

"What comes down to this beach has to go all the way back up the steps."

They've launched a petition calling on the government to launch a public awareness campaign, raising awareness for how we should treat the countryside and coast.

You can find the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/574972