VOLUNTEERS stepped up to their first group litter-pick since the start of lockdown at Helford Passage, and came away with a haul of plastic, litter – and even some wooden steps, writes Jane Leigh.
The event was run by One Bag Beach Clean and Plastic Free Helford River, with just a small group of friends and family taking part and observing all Covid regulations.
Social distancing was maintained, and the group split into pairs of pickers, with each duo cleaning different areas, from the car park and road to the beach at Helford Passage, bar beach and Pedn Billy.
All equipment – gloves, litter pickers and buckets supplied by Clean Cornwall – had been sanitised before use, and was packed up and taken away to be cleaned again for the next outing.
Organiser Carol Hurst said: “We collected 12.1 kg of rubbish including flip flops, a plastic bottle, a cigarette lighter, cable ties and lots of bits of rope and net.
"But the most noteworthy find was the wooden companionway steps – once part of a boat, these have already been upcycled by one of the volunteers and have a new lease of life as a plant stand in her garden.”
The latest Covid restrictions mean that plans for future beach cleans may have to be put on hold, although volunteers have been issued with litter pickers and gloves so that they can continue their good work on an individual basis.
Carol added: “We miss all our volunteers but we’re looking forward to running public events again as soon as it safe and legal to do so.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here