The UK and Ireland coast is dotted with some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe. They come in all shapes and sizes, with sand that ranges from fine to rocky and waters that can be as tranquil or wild as you like.
Some beaches are famous for their beauty, while others are a bit less well-known. Some are so remote you won’t find anyone else there.
How are the beaches maintained?
The UK and Ireland coastal beaches are kept in good condition for the public to enjoy. The beaches are maintained through a number of methods, including beach nourishment and reed bed management.
A beach is a landform alongside a body of water that consists of loose particles such as sand, shingle, and rock. Sediments settle in different densities and structures depending on local wave action and weather, creating various textures, colours, and gradients.
The coastal environment in the UK and Ireland is an important habitat for a wide range of marine life. This includes fish, shellfish, and coralline algae.
Efforts to keep the beaches in their natural state
There are plenty of ways to get involved in supporting the beaches in their natural state. These can range from cleaning the beaches to donating money to organizations that focus on protecting the oceans and coasts.
A beach clean can be a great way to spend time with friends and get closer to nature while helping improve the local environment. Conservation charities and community groups across the UK arrange many of these clean-ups.
These initiatives are often accompanied by a citizen science element where data on litter is systematically recorded. While they can be an excellent way to improve the condition of the beach, it is also essential to consider what impact these cleans have on the broader problem of marine litter.
In addition, participating in beach cleans can lead to broader environmental citizenship behaviours like reducing energy use or buying locally. This could help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the sea, which would benefit wildlife and marine environments in general.
Does the National Lottery contribute?
As well as the money National Lottery Players raise, the UK’s beaches also benefit from a number of projects funded by the charity. These include projects that help young people develop new skills, learn about conservation and the natural world, or connect them with the natural environment through art. However, many charitable lotteries and various organizations donate money to nationwide programs. Not all charity programs contribute to coastal maintenance.
In Northern Ireland, PS403,000 funding from the Nature Skill NI project enabled paid traineeships for young people wanting to enter the conservation industry. The project empowered participants to participate in practical green skills training and helped them plan and run their sessions.
The National Lottery has invested more than PS3 billion in good causes over the last decade, which has made a life-changing impact on children and young people across the UK. These projects have supported them in realizing their ambitions and thriving through education, sport, community, arts, and heritage.
What Can You Do to Protect and Maintain the UK Beaches?
You can do a few things to protect and maintain the UK beaches.
- Join a beach clean event in your area, or organize one yourself. These events are a great way to do something positive for your community and help promote a sense of pride in the local area.
- Avoid single-use plastic. Take a reusable water bottle and recycle your own rubbish.
- Do not obstruct wildlife habitats on the beach, for example, by digging up seaweed or leaving barnacles and other seaweed in rock pools.
- Don’t leave your own litter on the beach – remember that beaches are public places.
- Stay in a safe place on the beach.
- Many beaches have lifeguards who patrol the shore and watch out for people in trouble. They can also warn you of possible dangers in the sea, such as rip currents and flooding.
- If you go out in the water, remember to call for help using a whistle and carry a suitable rescue tool.
- Don’t use inflatable toys or airbeds on the beach – they can be easily swept out to sea.
- Do not leave pollutants on the beach – this can harm marine animals, fish, and other wildlife.
Conclusion
It might not be your first thought, but keeping the sands and seas pristine at this time of year takes much effort and money.
From keeping a close eye on marine life, such as jellyfish, to ensuring that there is no overflowing pollution, the people behind the scenes at the UK’s beaches are doing all they can to ensure they are ready for you and your family to enjoy this summer.