No matter in which direction you looked during Plast Off! this year, you were treated to the sight of volunteer beach cleaners as far as the eye could see.  The beach, dunes and coast path were filled with people who had turned out to tackle the huge problem of marine litter along this stretch of coastline. Brought in on the winter storms and deposited amongst seaweed-filled strandlines, it is the ideal time of year to head out to collect litter to prevent it washing back out to sea. 

This year, we decided to move just up the coast from our usual spot as we had outgrown the car park at Porth Trecastell. 

So, armed with a bigger space and our young volunteers from the Youth Forum and Ocean Rescue Champions to help the day run smoothly, we were ready for the huge numbers that turned up to participate. 

Youth Forum member, Joanna, gives us her account of the event:

"Plast Off 2025 was a great success. So many people showed up for this year's event!  I was part of the filming crew of volunteers documenting the day and interviewing some of the people who showed up. We also did our part in collecting whatever rubbish we found during our filming sessions. It was amazing to see so many people, family and friends engaging with nature and doing their part in keeping it clean. It was also great to speak with so many different people and learn why they took time out of their busy lives to come and participate.

Over 170 people showed up from the general public and we collected loads of rubbish. Most common was plastic and fishing waste, sadly, as it is the most damaging type of debris for the ecosystem and the one that stays behind the longest.

Helping the sorting team after lunch was quite busy and exhausting. Having to separate the rubbish into different categories and lugging around the bin bags from unsorted to sorted piles took a lot of manpower, time and effort. But in the end all was accounted for, sorted and sent off with the council bin collection.

To boot, we had the amazing Dreamboat providing free hot drinks and snacks throughout the day giving us the chance to refuel when needed and warm up. Despite the lucky weather of no rain and mild winds it was still a chilly day and we were all wrapped up warm in loads of layers.

I had an amazing time and can't wait for the next beach clean and all other exciting events North Wales Wildlife Trust have to offer in 2025!"