Coastline Clean-Up

North Berwick to Aberlady Hike

About this event

Join our Conservation Officer for a 16km walk to remove litter from some of East Lothian's remote stretches of coastline, carryout wildlife and pollution surveys, and enjoy a scenic route with like-minded people. This hike will take around 6 hours to complete, sometimes covering uneven and rocky ground, and therefore requires that participants have a good level of fitness. The activities we undertake may vary, depending on the levels of pollution we find along the way.

As well as collecting litter and surveying habitats, you’ll also have the opportunity find out more about the seabirds, shorebirds, and cetaceans that can be spotted around Scotland. Learn more about bird ID, starting with the basics and covering some of the most iconic species found around the Scottish coastline. Everyone is welcome to ask questions, share their knowledge and experiences, or simply unwind and enjoy the wildlife. We will (hopefully!) be finishing our walk at the beautiful Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, where we might be lucky enough to see some of the 30,000 pink-footed geese who roost there during the winter months.

This opportunity is open to adults (18+). Unfortunately this is not a dog friendly walk, as some of the reserves that we pass through have a strict no dogs policy. Spaces on this walk are very limited, so please only sign-up if you are definitely able to attend.

Route

The walk will start at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. North Berwick has good public transport links to Edinburgh via train and bus. If you are planning to drive, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to find parking. The hike will end at Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve. This is on the 124 bus route, which can take participants directly into Edinburgh or back to North Berwick, as required. Aberlady also has a couple of good pubs which serve hot food, if people prefer to warm up and have a drink before heading home.

Participants are responsible for funding their own transport to take part in this walk. However, if you feel that the cost of transport is a barrier to you participating, please get in contact with Emily on: conservationprojects@seabird.org and we look at how we can support you with this.

We will largely be walking on the beach, but we may have to walk the coastal path or steer inland for some sections. The route is just over 16km, so please be sure that you are comfortable walking this distance before signing up.

What will we provide?

Binoculars (for the duration of the event), beach-clean bags, gloves, litter pickers for those who want them, any survey equipment needed.

What do you need to bring?

Sturdy boots or shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather outside (including waterproof trousers and coat), lunch, a drink, any medication you may need, a mobile phone, sun protection (good weather days).

Keeping everyone safe

We are running these tours in-line with current COVID-19 guidelines. Our group leader is a trained first aider and will be carrying a first aid kit and mobile phone.

What if the walk is cancelled?

If this event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, we will get in touch with you the day before to let you know. If you wish to come and volunteer regardless of the weather, you can still head out to the Scottish Seabird Centre and borrow all the equipment that you need to do this.