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| Litter picking on the Ribble -RSPB |
Staff at RSPB Hesketh Out Marsh, are calling on local volunteers to help with their ‘Big Hesketh Out Marsh Clean-up’ event on Sunday 11 February.
Following recent high tides, the nature reserve at Hesketh Bank near Southport 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.
Gareth Tate, Warden at RSPB Ribble Reserves said: “RSPB Hesketh Out Marsh is part of the Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve, an internationally important area that is home to a variety of wonderful wildlife. Whilst 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. Popular BBC programme ‘Blue Planet’ has highlighted the danger that plastic poses in our oceans, and the same applies to our estuaries like the Ribble. We hope lots of people will come along to the event to help clean up this beautiful spot. It’s also in ideal opportunity to meet like-minded locals, get out in the fresh air and put something back into your community.
The clean-up event is running from 10.30am-1pm and participants should meet at the Hesketh Out Marsh car park, Dib Road, Off Shore Road, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6XQ. Appropriate waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn along with work/garden gloves. Some litter pickers will be available, but people are encouraged to bring their own if they have them. For further details visit rspb.org.uk/heskethoutmarsh
