Beach cleans aren't the only thing you can do to protect marine habitats from pollution!
The Great Global Nurdle Hunt is a citizen science engagement project run by the charity Fidra, that aims to raise awareness of plastic pellet (nurdle) pollution and build evidence about this problem globally. Taking part is easy, fun and contributes valuable data, illustrating worldwide nurdle pollution. Fidra then use this data as evidence to take to government an industry to show that this is a problem, lots of people care and to encourage work towards a coordinated solution.
Join our Conservation Officer to undertake a group nurdle hunt, while enjoying some amazing marine wildlife with like-minded people. We will focus cover East and/or West beach in North Berwick and cover as much ground as possible within 1 hour. Everyone is welcome at this event, although children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
We will provide the equipment and information you need to carry out a nurdle hunt, as well as explaining 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 backpack 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 face covering, 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
We are running this event in-line with current COVID-19 guidelines. A maximum capacity in line with government guidelines will apply and appropriate safety measures will be taken throughout, including the thorough cleaning/quarantining of equipment before each use. We ask that everyone maintains social distancing from each other (if from different households), and wears masks when collecting equipment or when unable to maintain distancing.
Our group leader is a trained first aider and will be carrying a first aid kit and mobile phone. A copy 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.