RSPCA Cymru is teaming up with North Wales Wildlife Trust for a large scale community beach clean - named the ‘New Year Plast Off’ - that aims to remove and recycle as much plastic marine litter as possible from the beaches and coves around Cable Bay and Rhosneigr.

 The event will take place on Saturday 27th January, 2018 between  10am and 4pm.  Please could all volunteers gather at Cable Bay Car Park (postcode  LL63 5TE) before we head out to target different beaches.

An RSPCA Cymru rope rescue team will be deployed to collect larger bits of plastic from coves which are usually inaccessible to people with litter pickers.

 RSPCA inspector Andy Broadbent said: “Everything from plastic bags, old fishing line and even toys can be a danger to animals".

 “We are regularly called out to deal with horrifying injuries and deaths of wildlife which have become entangled in, or have eaten, plastic litter. Seabirds often become entangled from fishing line then die from being unable to feed. Some birds use it as nesting material which they and their offspring then become entangled in".

 “By removing this marine debris as well as encouraging others to dispose of their marine litter appropriately, we hope we can make a really positive impact on the welfare of wildlife around our shores.”  

 People & Wildlife Manager for the North Wales Wildlife Trust, Chris Baker, said: “People are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of plastic pollution in the marine environment".

 “Ultimately a change in our society’s perception of plastics is what’s needed if we are to solve the problem once and for all, but in the meantime just helping to remove as much plastic waste from your local beach as you can is a great way to do your bit".

 “We’re very excited to be partnering up with the RSPCA Cymru to run this unique event and hope to hold many more like this in the future.”

 Living Seas Manager for the North Wales Wildlife Trust, Nia Hâf Jones, said: “This year is Wales’ Year of the Sea and we’re excited to be kicking off the year by tackling some of the symptoms of this global problem and by doing so showing Welsh Government that we want to see changes that will help tackle the problem at its sources.”

People who are interested in this event will be able to just turn up on the day, and will be required to register when they arrive. Under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.

 To help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our main website: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).

North Wales Wildlife Trust  Contact:  01248 351541   E-mail:  nwwt@wildlifetrustswales.org