VOLUNTEERS are being encouraged to enlist in a massive clean-up of Dorset's spectacular coastline next month.

Every year tonnes of rubbish washes up on Dorset's shores from waste disposed at sea, but this year debris from the MSC Napoli has made the problem worse.

Disaster was averted when the stricken ship floundered in Lyme Bay in January. Quick action taken by Dorset's rangers, special contractors and volunteers who removed 120 tonnes of oiled rubbish from five miles of coastline in just five days.

On Sunday April 15, volunteers will be called up again to help clean up 22 beaches from Lyme Regis to Christchurch in just one day as part of the 19th Great Dorset Beach Clean.

Dorset Coast Forum officer Jodie McGregor said: "We have already had a great deal of interest from members of the public wishing to support this year's Great Dorset Beach Clean.

"We need every pair of hands available on the day, so if you can spare the time to help please head to one of the listed beaches, where you'll find a beach master who will provide protective gloves and bags."

The vast majority of litter found on Dorset's beaches is made of plastic, which quickly accumulates if it is not removed and provides a threat to marine life as they can mistake it for food.

Thousands of volunteers have taken part in the clean-up in the past 19 years. Last year more than 300 volunteers helped get rid of 500 bags of rubbish from 25 Dorset beaches.

The Great Dorset Beach clean started in 1988 to mark the MARPOL convention, designed to prevent the pollution of the English Channel.

For more information telephone Durlston Marine Project on 01929 424443 or go to jurassiccoast.com.

Venues and times (Sunday April 15)

  • Lulworth Cove: 10am-12noon, on the beach
  • Durdle Door: 10am-12noon, dar car park by gate and steps to Durdle Door
  • Kimmeridge: 10.30am 12.30pm, Fine Foundation Centre
  • Worbarrow Bay: 10.30am-12.30pm, Tyneham car park
  • Chapman's Pool, 10am-12noon, Chapman's Pool (on foot only)
  • Swanage: 2pm-4pm, seafront by Ocean Bay
  • Shell Bay and Knoll Beach: 2pm-4pm, end of beach off Ferry Road
  • Steamer Point: 10.30am-12.30pm, Penney Way off Seaway Avenue