Volunteers give Exe Estuary a spring clean

A skip full of rubbish collected from the Exe Estuary picture: Steph Clark (Image: Archant)

This year there was a reduction in the amount of litter found on the Exe Estuary when compared with previous clean-ups.

Organised by the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, the clean-up ensures that the area is ready for summer visitors and wildlife.

Exe Estuary officer, Stephanie Clark, said: “For so many people to give up their Saturday to take care of this special place is tremendous and shows real community spirit.

“This was the 19th clean-up and this year we have seen a notable reduction in the amount of rubbish on the nature reserve.

“This reduction is a result of the hard work of volunteers, as well as the changing attitudes of people towards littering. This reduction in litter improves the health of the natural environment, removing hazards for both wildlife and people who use the estuary.”

Volunteers collected a variety of objects including tyres, a set of dentures, shoes, a vintage 16oz Marmite jar from the early 1900s and fishing nets.

Several businesses offered their help starting with free refreshments from McDonalds on Salterton Road, prior to the clean.

Following a couple of hours of hard work, volunteers made their way over to The Great Western Railway Staff Association (GWRSA) Railway Club, Royal Avenue, for a hot drink.

After the clean-up volunteers had a hot fish supper supplied by Tim and Kelly Barnes, owners of the award-winning Krispies Fish and Chips, in Exeter Road.

Kelly added: “I have never done the beach clean before and it was a fabulous community event as well as being a really good day out for the family.

“We will be sponsoring September’s beach clean but if we weren’t I would go along anyway.”

Volunteers were then treated to a free cruise courtesy of Stuart Line Cruises.