Newbiggin RNLI lead local environmental initiative

(News release Royal National Lifeboat Institution:) A RNLI beach safety project to remediate pollution has been hailed a success thank to the efforts of a large volunteer team.

Lyne Sands south is located 2 mile north of Newbiggin RNLI, a popular area for walkers and beach users particularly as it is part of the Northumberland Coast Path. However significant deposits of beach debris in this area have created hazards for the users and in certain cases, their pets. Northumberland County Council are currently engaged with a £5 million scheme further north to clean the coastline and this volunteer driven project was seen as an opportunity to extend and complete a full clean and safety improvements on the southern flank of the bay. Over several months discussions have taken place with the Council and their contractor BAM UK to gain support as well as other interested parties who could work with the RNLI to deliver a clean-up.

The planning came together earlier in the month with over 50 volunteers taking part throughout a challenging day and achieving a major clean up. Along with RNLI volunteers and staff others came from Northumberland County Council, BAM UK, Lynemouth Power, Northumbrian Water, Ashington Litter Pickers, Crows Nest Group, Lynemouth Community group, Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Creswell Pele Tower group, Newbiggin residents, Newbiggin Golf Club and the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland office.

Over 300 bags of rubbish were removed from the beach along with numerous bulky items including wagon tyres, conveyor belting, plastic pipes and sheeting, carpets and abandoned fishing ropes and pots which equated to 3.85 tonne of debris.

Richard Martin from Newbiggin RNLI, who organised the event, thanked everyone for making such a big environmental improvement, adding: 'Over several months discussions have taken place with the Council and their contractor BAM Construct UK to gain support as well as other interested parties who could work with the RNLI to deliver a clean-up as well as promote a safer environment for the beach users and the wider water safety. In this the 200th year of the RNLI at the time when importance of protecting our environment this day was about bringing sustainability to the foreshore here, as well as helping nature thrive particularly for the ongoing space for shorebirds provisions.'

David Green from Northumberland County Council said: ‘We are proud to support the RNLI and the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time to this essential clean-up effort along the Lyne Sands. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to protect and restore our coastline, extending the impact of the Lynemouth Waste Management Scheme. The collaboration with BAM and local partners has created a safer, cleaner space for the community, beachgoers, and wildlife alike.’

Jonny Purvis from BAM UK added: ‘This was a great initiative to be involved with and was an excellent opportunity for BAM to further contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce waste and litter at Lynemouth Bay. The event was a tremendous success, further showcasing how a collaborative approach between organisations can deliver such great benefits. Not only does this work help protect and enhance the marine environment in the surrounding areas, but it also makes the beach safer and more inviting for both locals and tourists to enjoy.’

Plans are already in hand for a second RNLI clean up event here in Spring 2025 to deliver improvements to water safety and safety along the shore as part of the wider RNLI sea safety initiatives.

Notes to editors

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat 'Richard Wake Burdon'.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or richard_martin2@rnli.org.uk, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or clare_hopps@rnli.org.uk or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.

Click here for the original news release.

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