World Earth Day: Nurdle Hunt

Beach cleans aren't the only thing you can do to protect marine habitats from pollution!

Join environmental charity Fidra to undertake a group nurdle hunt with like-minded people this World Earth Day. We are excited to be partnering with Fidra on a day when people all around the world will be demonstrating their support for environmental protection.

The Great Nurdle Hunt is a citizen science engagement project launched and run by Fidra. It aims to raise awareness of plastic pellet (nurdle) pollution and strives to build evidence about this problem globally. Taking part is easy, fun and contributes valuable data illustrating worldwide nurdle pollution. Fidra use these findings as evidence to take to government and industry to show that this is a problem, that lots of people care and to encourage work towards a coordinated solution.

For this nurdle hunt we will focus on either East or West beach in North Berwick and cover as much ground as possible within 1 hour. We will provide the equipment and information you need to carry out a nurdle hunt. We will also explain why nurdles pose a threat to marine wildlife and how the information we collect will help us to better understand the problem.

Friendly, quiet dogs are welcome, but we ask they are kept on a short lead throughout.

Route

This event will concentrate on East and/or West beach in North Berwick, starting and finishing outside the Scottish Seabird Centre.

What will we provide?

We'll provide a nurdle hunting kit, including gloves, alcohol hand gel, survey sheets, and small containers to collect any nurdles we find. The group leader will carry a large, waterproof bag to carry additional marine debris we find. A health and safety briefing will take place before heading down onto the shore .

What do you need to bring?

Walking boots or shoes with good grip, clothing appropriate for the weather outside, a drink and food as required, any medication you may need, a mobile phone, sun protection (good weather days).

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome at this event! We will be working along the main beaches in North Berwick which are mostly easy-going and flat. However, there are some areas of slippy rocks and uneven ground. Please consider whether this will be manageable for you before signing up for the event.

As the event will largely take place on the beach, wheelchair users and pushchairs may struggle to access the area. Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow from North Berwick Harbour - call 03001112112 for more information.

Keeping everyone safe

Our group leader is a trained first aider and will be carrying a first aid kit and mobile phone. A copy of the risk assessment for the walk will be available to view before/during the walk.

What if the walk is cancelled?

If this event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions or other circumstances, we will get in touch with you the day before to let you know.

Spring Beach Cleans
We have regular beach cleans in North Berwick and along the East Lothian coast. We are always looking for volunteers to join us.