Beach cleans help nature and planet in new recycling initiative

February 12, 2024

Plastics and other litter washed up on the beach at Seven Sisters Country Park are being recycled into useful products as part of an innovative new partnership.

Since taking over the management of the country park in 2021, National Park staff and volunteers have scoured the shoreline once a week for plastics and litter that often comes in with the tide.

Now the litter pickers have teamed up with ReAP, a charity dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of plastic waste on the planet’s aquatic life and ecosystems, as well as the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS) which recycles lost or littered material.

This year alone the teams have collected over 30 bags of rubbish, including 34kg of plastics, 24kg of general litter, 32kg of netting and rope, and 21kg of rubber. The total weight was 122kg and, thanks to ReAP & the ANLRS, around three quarters can be recycled.

ReAP takes the litter to its Sussex-based hub and, working with UK recycling partner MyRefactory, it’s recycled into products that can be used elsewhere, including to make recycling bins, seating, display boards and outdoor tables.

It means that waste collected is kept out of landfill.

Sylvia King, Operations Assistant at Seven Sisters Country Park, said: “It’s sad that we have to collect plastics in the first place and that’s why as a National Park we ask people to bin litter or take it home, as well as recycle where they can.”

“Unfortunately, our seas and rivers are full of plastics and other litter and the impact on wildlife, such as wading birds and marine life, is very serious.

“We want to improve the habitat for nature at Seven Sisters and so regular litter picks are an important way of helping our local wildlife.

“We’re pleased to have this new arrangement with ReAP that means we’re reducing impact on the planet and helping our precious habitats.

“Before the local council would have collected the rubbish bags, but our partnership with the charity means that plastics and other rubbish are being recycled and put to good use.”

As part of the refurbishments at Seven Sisters, the National Park Authority has installed new litter and recycling bins in the car parks and building complex at the country park. The new “grab and go” food outlet and visitor shop also includes a range of plastic-free choices. It has been accompanied by strong messaging and education around “leaving no trace” on the country park, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and also part of a Marine Conservation Zone.

Steve Tapp, from ReAP, said: “Our mission is to encourage the collection of plastic waste from rivers, canals, lakes, and oceans, ensuring it is properly recycled and kept out of landfill. By doing so, we can help to reduce the harm caused by plastic pollution to our precious wildlife and ecosystems.

“Working closely with our UK recycler, MyRefactory, our purpose is to actively reduce the amount of plastic waste in these delicate ecosystems and promote sustainable practices for a cleaner and healthier world.”

To find out more about ReAP visit reap-uk.org
To find out more about the ANLRS visit anglers-nlrs.co.uk
To find out more about MyRefactory visit myrefactory.com
The National Park Authority has no powers or remit around litter, which sits with local authorities, including waste collections.
The South Downs National Park Authority took ownership of Seven Sisters Country Park in 2021 and has since invested around £2m renovating the facilities for visitors.
The country park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland – often called “Europe’s rainforest in miniature” as a single square metre can include 40 wildflower species and over 20 different butterflies. The famous white cliffs have been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, including Harry Potter, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and most recently, Summerland. For more information visit sevensisters.org.uk