The recent stormy weather has washed up all manner of debris along the Essex coastline, including a variety of plastic pollution. If you would like to lend a hand and do your bit to help marine wildlife, look no further; Essex Wildlife Trust has lots of microplastic-specific cleans happening throughout the year at their Naze Centre.

The Naze is a unique coastal landscape of outstanding geological and biological importance. As the most easterly peninsula in Essex, it is an important site for wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The Naze Centre runs regular beach cleans with volunteers to keep the beaches and surrounding areas clean and safe for wildlife. Now the centre is focussing on microplastics; plastics smaller than 5mm in size. This may seem like a monumental task, but with willing volunteers and the helping hands of The Environment Agency, Anglian Water and The Marine Conservation Society, Essex Wildlife Trust hopes to have cleared the majority of the pollution by the end of the year following monthly microplastic-focused beach cleans.

If you would like to join in with one of the microplastic beach cleans, please see the list of dates below:

• Thursday 5^th March 11.00-13.00
• Thursday 2^nd April 11.00-13.00
• Saturday 2^nd May 11.00-13.00
• Thursday 11^th June 11.00-13.00
• Thursday 9^th July 11.00-13.00
• Wednesday 12^th August 11.00-13.00
• Wednesday 9^th September 11.00-13.00
• Thursday 8^th October 11.00-13.00
• Saturday 7^th November 11.00-13.00
• Wednesday 9^th December 11.00-13.00

There has already been an influx of volunteers and help from the local community which is really positive to see but the Trust is always looking for new volunteers, as many hands make light work!

Equipment is provided. Visit The Naze events page for more information.