Exe Estuary autumn clean up

Volunteers are being invited to join a clean up of the Exe Estuary in Exmouth on Saturday (25 September).

The Exe Estuary Management Partnership has organised the event which will take place between 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

As well as litter picking, the clean up will also focus on tackling the damaging effects of "ghost fishing". This is fishing gear, such as nets, traps and pots which have been lost or intentionally abandoned at sea and can cause marine animals to become entangled and needlessly die.

The Exe Estuary Management Partnership co-odinates the clean ups twice a year with the aim of taking practical action to protect the wildlife of the estuary. The Exmouth event follows a successful clean up of Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve last Sunday as part of the Marine Conservation Society's National Beach Weekend.

Councillor Bernard Hughes, Chairman of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, said: "I know that the Partnership will be looking forward to welcoming back some of its regular volunteers, as well as many new volunteers who would like to give the clean up a try. The clean up events are dependent on conscientious local volunteers, who always collect a large amount of litter from the Exe, including crab pots and fishing nets which may otherwise be left to continue ‘ghost fishing’. Even if you can't turn out for the clean up on this occasion, we can all help reduce litter on the Estuary by opting for low packaging alternatives, reusing, recycling and using the bins provided whenever you visit the area."

As a celebration of the day's efforts, all of the volunteers are invited to attend a free cruise, courtesy of Stuart Line Cruises, from 4pm until approximately 5pm on Saturday. There will be a light buffet available on board and the bar will be open.

Volunteers will meet at the Imperial Recreation Ground in Exmouth and head out onto the sandbanks of the Local Nature Reserve. Families are welcome as are well behaved dogs. Gloves and equipment are provided but volunteers are advised to wear wellie boots, waterproofs and to bring sun cream.

To book a place call 01392 382236 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Devon County Council Press Release, 21/09/2010