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Local MP highlights Newburgh and Balmedie beach cleans
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed two beach cleans being organised locally by the East Grampian Coastal Partnership (EGCP) and other stakeholders as part of Climate Week North-east 2024.
The Marine Conservation Society and NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) are supporting EGCP in a range of events including two beach cleans at Balmedie and Newburgh.
Commenting, local MP Richard Thomson said:
“I’m very pleased that East Grampian Coastal Partnership have taken the initiative here as part of this year’s Climate Week North-east.
“I’m particularly grateful to them and their partners for including Newburgh in the programme as the prevalence of small items of plastic at this location in especially continues to be a source of concerns to local people.
“The release of a large number of plastic ‘biofilters’ from Scottish Water’s treatment plant in Ellon during a significant river spate in 2022 is the cause and despite previous clean-ups, large numbers of these items can still be found. I visited the Forvie Reserve and it was clear that there were still significant numbers of the biofilters visible in certain locations. I therefore hope that this initiative will contribute to a significant improvement in the reduction of these items.”
Balmedie Beach Clean will take place on 16 March between 2.00pm and 4.00pm commencing at Balmedie Country Park, while on 21 March the Newburgh Beach Clean will commence from the Waterside car park at the Forvie National Nature Reserve.
The picture attached shows left to right: Isla Martin, Operations Manager (North), NatureScot; Richard Thomson MP, and Catriona Reid, Forvie Reserve Manager, NatureScot.
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