Beach cleaning organisation Beach Buddies has had the biggest fortnight of its life, with volunteers all over the Isle of Man taking part in a record-breaking eleven beach cleaning sessions within the last fortnight.
In the last 14 days, beach cleaning has taken place by Beach Buddies volunteers in Ballaugh, Niarbyl, Derbyhaven, Gansey, Happy Valley, Cornaa, Cranstal, Ramsey North Promenade, Fenella Beach, Port Erin and Fisher’s Hill.
Volunteers who have been taking part in organised Beach Buddies sessions have then individually tackled beaches close to their homes in the evenings, after work.
“After years and years of feeling as if no one else really cared, we have now had an unbelievable eleven different groups of volunteers involving more than 100 people, at eleven different beaches inside one fortnight,” said Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale.
“What has happened in this last few months is just fantastic, and totally beyond expectations. Within the space of less than a year we now have groups and individuals going out on their own cleaning the beaches nearest to where they live.
“It is making a massive difference to our beautiful beaches and shows just how much it matters to the people of the Isle of Man. We have an absolutely wonderful group of volunteers with a real passion for the beauty of the Isle of Man and it has been a privilege to be part of this great team of people who really care.”
Beach Buddies is also recruiting new volunteers at a rapid rate. Local media publicity has helped increase volunteers numbers from around 600 in January to a current total of more than 900.
A further big surge in volunteers is also in process with the announcement that Beach Buddies is planning a massive pre-TT all-Island tidy up campaign, taking in not just beaches but also glens, footpaths and parks.
Bill Dale added, “Our ‘Big One TT Tidy Up’ idea has captured a lot of attention and looks like being a major success. The intention is to make the Island look at its very best before the arrival of thousands of TT fans. It will take place between May 13th and 19th.
“We are inviting everyone in the Isle of Man, young and old, to get involved in cleaning not just the beaches, but also our glens and footpaths - and even the roads close to people’s homes.”
• To register for the ‘Big One TT Tidy Up’ contact Beach Buddies at beachbuddies@manx.net or via Facebook at “Beach Buddies Isle of Man”.
Photo - A wonderful group of 47 children and parents from Malew Rainbows took part in a highly successful beach clean at Derbyhaven last night.
