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Beachwatch Bute

Beachwatch Bute is a charitable organisation formed to monitor the condition of the beaches and shorelines of Bute.

The organisation employs a Beach Ranger to help fulfil this aim and co-ordinate the efforts of individuals, voluntary organisations and other groups to remove pollutants during beach cleans.

Beachwatch provides any specialised equipment that may be necessary.

The work of Beachwatch Bute makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of, and access to, the coastline and beaches of our Island.

It also supports educational and preventative initiatives relating to the coastline environment.

The Facts

Beachwatch Bute began operating on the 1st April 1998.

In a typical year more than 1000 bags of rubbish may be collected. This equates to over six tonnes not including larger objects which are removed separately. These have included cars, fridges and a 23ft Basking Shark.

Apart from volunteers within the community, we are assisted by the Government's New Deal initiative which offers training for future employment.

As a voluntary organisation we relay on continued support from the local community to take part in beach cleans.

In addition we need to fund the Beach Ranger's salary and the running costs of our tractor and trailer.

Statistics From Nov 2003 - Nov 2004

Total Bags Collected During This Period: 1,208

5 Gallon Drums92
45 Gallon Drums6
Fish Boxes42
Wheels/Tyres26
Hypodermic Needles12
Bread Baskets4
Gas Cylinders4
Traffic Cones19
Lemonade Crates1
Buoys4
Dead Porpoise2
Wheelie Bin1
Fire Extinguishers4
Trundle Toys1
Wooden Pallets4
Lifejacket1
Fridges1
Windsurfing Board 10'1
2 Gallon Pails (Plastic)7
Lobster Creels3
Beer Barrels (Kegs)2
TV3
Bicycles1
Vacuum Cleaner1
Road Signs3
Household Bins3
Household Door1
Child Safety Seat1


Total Bags Collected:

April 98 - July 99: 1,603
July 99 - Nov 2000: 1,571
Nov 2000 - Nov 2001: 1,025
Nov 2001 - Nov 2002: 1,464
Nov 2002 - Nov 2003: 953
Nov 2003 - Nov 2004: 1,208

Total Bags to Date: 7824

Total Tonnage 2002/2003: 7 Tons
Total Tonnage 2003/2004: 9.5 Tons

Contact Beachwatch Bute - Telephone 0776-7795969