Beach Cleaning
A Short History
It should be noted that the Surfers Against Sewage group was formed here by residents of Porthtowan and St Agnes and led by local Chris Hines from May 1990 until 2000. This was with the aim to keep our beaches clean for all beach users. This ethos and work continues to this day with Porthtowan villagers being at the forefront of the fight for clean beaches. SAS history can be seen here.
What can you do?
Swap your usual workout at the gym and get fit taking part in one of the many beach cleans on Porthtowan’s Beach. Fresh air and great company, it’s a great way to meet amazing people. Beach cleans usually last for around two hours but you can spend as little or as long as you like. Afterwards, relax in the Beach Café, Blue Bar or the Unicorn with a warming hot chocolate, barista prepared coffee, brunch, lunch or incredible cakes.
Do you want to organise a beach clean on Porthtowan’s beach yourself?
Porthtowan has our own Surfers Against Sewage beach clean representative Nick Barry, who will happily advise on any fundraising beach cleans. He can be contacted here: nick_barry@hotmail.co.uk
Alternatively contact Neil Hembrow of Keep Britain Tidy. Neil is our local lead for Porthtowan’s Beach and co-ordinates all our beach cleans. If you are a School, University, in the Forces or any other group and you want to combine a Beach Clean with an educational beach overview/event focused on Clean Seas then Neil will be happy to help. Neil can be contacted on 07918 625635 and email neil.hembrow@keepbritaintidy.org. Once organised Neil will advise the relevant authorities as well as the Porthtowan Beach Association (PBA) at enquiries@porthtowanbeach.com. The PBA will then advise everyone on its mailing list so as to ensure your event is well attended.
What to do if you believe there is a sewage issue on or near the beach?
Attached here is a report by Chris Hines regarding The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 79 Statutory Nuisance. The report shows how decisive action can help improve the system for us all and avert any serious issues.
Dates for the Winter/Spring/Summer beach cleans
Remember to bring gloves and suitable clothing.
2017
Sunday 29th January 2017 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 28th February 2017 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
2016
Sunday 10th January 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
We’ll be joined by Rachel from the Marine Conservation Society who will be down to help us complete a litter survey.
Fingers crossed we have some nice weather, looks beautiful out there at the moment!
Sunday 21st February 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 20th February 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 12th April 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG-MSFD Survey
Sunday 22nd May 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 19th June 2016 – CANCELLED. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG- MSFD Survey
Sunday 18th September – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG. Part of the Great British Beach Clean
Sunday 27th November 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 21st February 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 11th December 2016 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
2015
Sunday 22nd February 2015 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 22nd March 2015 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 12th April 2015 – 10 am to 12noon Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 17th May 2015 – 10am to 12noon Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Sunday 14th June 2015 – 10am to 12noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Saturday 25th July. Time TBD. Sponsored by Porthtowan SLSC with Keep Britain Tidy.
Monday 21st September – 12.30 -14.30. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Friday 13th November – from 12.30. Sponsored by Richard Scott and Illogan School as part of SAS’s national Autumn Beach Clean Series.
Sunday 15th November – 10am to 12 noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Saturday 28th November at Lushington Beach – 11.30 to 13.00. Sponsored by SAS as part of their Autumn beach clean series.
Sunday 13th December – 10am to 12 noon. Sponsored by St Agnes MCG
Remember to bring gloves and suitable clothing.
The following are the main organisations who regularly have beach clean events:
Keep Britain Tidy
http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/beachcare/537.
St Agnes Voluntary Marine Conservation Group.
http://st-agnesvmca.org.uk/about-us/.
Porthtowan Clean Up Project
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Porthtowan-Clean-Up-Project
Clean Cornwall.
Surfers Against sewage.
http://www.sas.org.uk/news/beach-cleans/autumn-beach-clean-series-2/.
Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project. (COAST)
http://www.coastproject.co.uk/.
2 Minute Beach Clean