Help Needed To Clear Dorset Beach

After tons of rubbish was washed up onto Chesil beach at Portland by the recent storms, the Dorset Wildlife Trust's asking for help to clear it up.

It's 18 miles long, and although a lot's been cleared officials say they still need help.

Chesil Centre Manager, Emily Brown said, "Rubbish such as plastic, metal and fishing gear can be very harmful to birds if they become entangled in it and lots of wildlife, such as turtles, can ingest plastic. 

This beach clean is a chance to make a real difference and a good opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy scenic views.  We are pleased to be working with local organisations, and we are grateful to the Court Leet of Portland who has generously paid for a skip to take the litter away."

The litter is having a big impact on wildlife and the environment,  seagulls have been found by staff at the Chesil Centre with fishing line around their legs, which can seriously harm them if they are unable to feed properly.  Fishing line and glass bottles can take 500 years to break down in the sea. Plastic bags, which are often found washed up on Dorset's beaches, can take up to 450 years to disappear.

The clear-up starts at 11am at the Chesil Centre.