FINAL plans have been drawn up for a major blitz on the rubbish that is spoiling Inverclyde’s coastline.
Environmental group Green Tangerine, which is based in Inverclyde, has set Friday 21 March as the launch date for this year’s Big Clyde Beach Clean.
Over the course of a month, an army of volunteers will clear shoreline litter at key points between Port Glasgow and Wemyss Bay.
A total of 13 clean-up events will take place between the launch date and 20 April.
The group hopes to replicate — or even exceed — the success of last year’s Big Beach Clean when 628 volunteers removed 538 bags of rubbish weighing around 2,675kg.
This week, Green Tangerine issued a further rallying call for volunteers who will be allocated a beach close to where they live.
Annette Thain, from the group, said: “Last year’s beach clean was a brilliant effort by our legions of volunteers and we hope to equal or even surpass that success this year.”
Annette said everyone is welcome to join the launch at Parklea Branching Out on Friday 21 March. Registration will take place between 9.30am and 10.00am. All equipment and guidance will be provided.
Green Tangerine says it is grateful for the support of Skills Development Scotland and Parklea Branching Out for the event, which is part of Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean 2025, a nationwide clean-up initiative.
Annette said there is clear evidence that the majority of land litter eventually enters the sea. She said this was highlighted in a recent BBC News report which told how litter on the beach at Arrochar was found to have come from waterways in and around Glasgow.
This was the result of prevailing winds and the rotation of the earth driving litter up Loch Long to what is known as the “Arrochar Sink”.
Annette added: “Here in Inverclyde we want to protect our marine environment and our volunteers do an amazing job in reducing litter that might otherwise end up in the Clyde.”
A full list of dates and locations for the Big Clyde Beach Clean 2025 is available at Green Tangerine’s website.
