An initiative to clean and monitor the beaches along the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry has received a £1,000 boost from Scotmid Co-operative, as part of the organisation’s community grant scheme
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) will use Scotmid’s grant to expand its beach cleaning and monitoring network in the Forth Estuary area and purchase new equipment, which will help teach more local people about the damage marine litter can cause to the environment and wildlife.
Marine litter can harm and kill wildlife like seabirds, seals and dolphins, as they can mistake rubbish for food and become entangled in plastic packaging. MCS surveys have recorded a steady increase in the amount of beach litter since 1994, mainly from the general public, fishing, bathroom waste and shipping.
Anne Saunders the Scottish projects officer for the Marine Conservation Society said the grant was fantastic and the money would be well invested in our Firth of Forth beach clean program.
Malcolm Brown, Head of Corporate Communications for Scotmid Co-operative said: “Scotmid Co-operative is proud to support the beach cleaning and litter monitoring activities in the Firth of Forth area by the Marine Conservation Society. Keeping our beaches clean and safe for the community and local wildlife is very important and we are delighted to help this environmental initiative.”
Scotmid’s community grant scheme aims to support local communities served by its stores, by awarding grants to community groups and charities who make a positive contribution to the environment, health, Fairtrade, homelessness, poverty, the arts and culture, children and education, elderly people and active lifestyles.