We have the standard office at Reach Outdoors, one that is often not tidy as it should be, full of messy desks and people at computers wishing they were outside, but that’s not the office I am talking about, I’m talking about our other “office” the one full of sand and sea (Goodrington sands).

Because for us our office is the beach and sea, it’s our place of work and where most of us spend most of our time in and out of work. All of us here at Reach Outdoors takes a lot of time and pride in keeping them tidy and free from litter.

During session and tours, we will collect rubbish along the way or if lots are spotted while we are out well come back later to make sure the areas that give us so much joy, we can provide a little back.

Here is our Apprentice Jamie after a Kayaking Tour.

Here is one of our Lead Instructors, Jack, after a Coasteering session.

We also promote the idea of beach cleans to our young clients and school groups, often making a game of it.

What else can we do?

First off, you can reduce how much plastic you use. Already the UK has diminished how much plastic is being used by 55%; this is being called the Attenborough effect after shows like Planet Earth 2 have publicised the impact of waste in the oceans.

You can also join our friends from Living Coasts who host beach cleans throughout the year.

If you want to go for a litter pick or beach clean here are some helpful tips from #2minutebeachclean.

• Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you plan to be back.
• Be aware of the tide and don’t allow yourself to get cut off. Always plan an escape route if you are under cliffs.
• If you can, wear protective gloves or use a litter picker. If you can’t, wash your hands afterwards.
• Supervise your children and make sure they don’t pick up sharps or poo or dead things.
• Do not pick up needles or glass or any other sharps unless you have somewhere safe to put them. Old or used needles MUST be handled carefully and disposed of properly. Ask your local surgery.
• Do not pick up anything organic that is not beach litter. We’re talking dead animals or birds and poo. Leave it be. If it is a sea bird or marine mammal, report it. In the UK report it to The Marine Strandings Network on 03452012626. www.ukstrandings.org
• If you find a marine mammal (dolphin, seal etc.) please report it. This is very important if the animal is still alive. Putting them back in the sea can be a risk, especially if young. In the UK report it to The British Divers Marine Life Rescue on their RESCUE HOTLINE: 01825 765546 during office hours. (07787 433412 out of office hours. www.bdmlr.org.uk
• If you find ordnance (old shells or bullets) call the Coastguard.
  In the UK this is on 999.
• If you find what you suspect to be dangerous chemicals or substances, leave them alone and call the Coastguard.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and conditions.
• Be careful under overhanging cliffs or below unstable areas and be VERY wary of landslips and cliff falls, especially after heavy rain.
• Be careful over wet rocks. Walk on the barnacles as they give a better grip.
• If you find anything of value that is technically salvage, you must report it to the Receiver of the Wreck (this is the UK only – local rules may apply).
• Please dispose of your finds properly. Some plastics may be recycled. Please check what can and can’t be recycled. 
• Just take care and be sensible.

Beach cleaning is a beautiful, healthy and often fun activity, plus it’s doing something great for your local environment.

Every bottle removed from the beach is a bottle that won’t end up in the food chain, killing a marine animal or polluting the ocean.

Visit #2minutebeachclean for further ways to get involved. https://beachclean.net