Listen: leave nothing but footprints this summer

With millions of Brits planning staycations and day trips to the beach this summer, a new campaign has been launched by the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), supported by Plymouth Gin, which highlights the little things everyone can do to protect the coast when they go to the beach this year; including one core call to action to pick up 5 pieces of litter when leaving the beach.

Beaches in the UK are expected to face 50% more visitors this ‘Staycation Summer’ as more Brits swap overseas trips for holidays a little closer to home.

According to new research, it’s clear that Britain’s beaches have a special place in our hearts and minds – 3 in 4 say the beach makes them happy and an astounding 95% have happy memories linked to the seaside. In fact, Brits believe that views of the seaside make them happier than any other view in the UK. With seven months being the average length of time since Brits last saw the sea, and 71% of us set to visit the coast this summer, it’s more important than ever to keep our beaches clean.

Aston spoke to Nicola Bridge, head of conservation education at Ocean Conservation Trust.

Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash