Beachwatch 2022 Results
The results of the litter surveys carried out by volunteers in Suffolk during 2022, as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch scheme, show that 81.08kg of litter was cleared from the coast & estuaries in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Most beachwatch events that took place were in September for the Great British Beach Clean. Many individuals and families who walked along the coast and estuaries on their daily exercise picked up litter.
Key Beachwatch 2022 Facts
- 26 litter surveys were carried out
- 362 volunteers took part in Beachwatch surveys
- 7,034 items of litter were recorded
- 73% of litter collected was made of plastic or polystyrene
Top 10 Litter Items
8 out of the top 10 litter items in the AONB were of plastic composition:
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Plastic/polystyrene pieces 2.5-50cm
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Packets (crisp, sweet, lolly (inc sticks), sandwich)
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Cigarette stubs
- Plastic/Polystyrene: String/cord (thickness 0-1cm)
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Caps / lids
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Fishing line (angling)
- Other glass items (total)
- Other paper/cardboard items (total)
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Cups
- Plastic/Polystyrene: Fishing net and net pieces 0-50cm
We are very grateful to everyone for their valuable contribution in helping to look after the Coast & Heaths AONB and wider marine environment.