Our Living Seas program has been proactively addressing the issue of coastal pollution with the help of dedicated volunteers. One year ago, this citizen science scheme started when a group of enthusiastic volunteers were trained as Coastal Wardens, in a project supported by the Environment Agency.

These incredible volunteers have spent the last year collecting baseline water quality data all along our coastline, to monitor nutrient levels and trends. To identify potential landward pollutants, water samples are taken from borrow dykes, areas that were dug out to construct the seawalls. Good water quality is fundamental to biodiversity and with an ever-increasing population in the country, the environment is under increasing pressure.

Although the project is still in its infancy, the data will help us identify pollution incidents and problem areas. The information collected will also help facilitate discussions between stakeholders and help bring a co-ordinated approach to issues in your area. 

Water quality training courses have now finished for 2018 and there are now more than 40 fantastic volunteers collecting data all along the Essex coastline.  For more information about the Coastal Warden scheme and to find out about beach cleans and coastal surveying opportunities and events, please contact coastalwarden@essexwt.org.uk.