Monday, 25 February 2013

Press release: Help keep Lindisfarne tidy


Natural England are asking for your help to keep Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve in top condition for you and for the animals and plants that live there.

On Saturday the 16th of March, we’d like your help for a litter pick on the shoreline of Holy Island.  Please come along and help staff and volunteers clean up the beach before the breeding bird seasons begins, and learn more about the Reserve while you’re here. The litter pick will start at 10am at the Snook car park (the first off-road car park on the island after crossing the Causeway, where the road bears right).

Reserve Manager, Ajay Tegala said “The vast majority of litter is tidal, washing up on the beaches. Litter on the shore poses a threat to wildlife; birds can die from ingesting small pieces of plastic and getting trapped or injured. On a number of occasions, seals have become stuck in lost or discarded nets.  Litter spoils your enjoyment of the Reserve too, marring the natural beauty and posing a safety risk to visitors.  We need your help to keep Holy Island beautiful for you and for the wildlife.

Seal tangled in net - luckily we were able to free it

“We work hard to stop litter building up. Reserve staff try to cover the Reserve at least once each month, but would not be able to manage it without the help of volunteers. For over five years, John Woodhurst has been a faithful volunteer and done much litter picking across the Reserve.  This year two students on placement at Lindisfarne are helping with a variety of work including litter management, but we can always use more help.”

Gloves and grab-sticks will be provided, but please bring warm and waterproof clothing. Contact the Reserve office for more information (01289 381470). We welcome your help and look forward to meeting you.

Ends


Notes to editors
For photographs or further information, please contact Ajay Tegala, 01289 381470

On the edge of Britain land and water meet. Tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and dunes combine to create a place which is home to fascinating plants and to a food supply that attracts bird visitors from thousands of miles away.  Lindisfarne covers a mosaic of internationally important coastal habitats, including intertidal mudflats, rocky shore, sand dunes and saltmarsh.

A National Nature Reserve (NNR) is one of the finest sites in England for wildlife and/or geology. Almost all NNRs are accessible and provide great opportunities for people to experience nature.
There are currently 224 NNRs in England with a total area of over 94,400 hectares, which is approximately 0.6% of the country’s land surface. The largest is The Wash NNR covering almost 8,800 hectares, whilst Horn Park Quarry in Dorset is the smallest at 0.32 hectares

Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.

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