Join us to remove litter from Musselburgh’s coastline in partnership with Fisherrow Harbour & Seafront Association (FHSA). Help tackle coastal litter whilst enjoying some amazing marine wildlife and habitats with like-minded people. This beach clean will focus on Fisherrow Sands—the sandy beach from Fisherrow Harbour to the mouth of the River Esk—and will last 1—1.5 hours.
If enough people are interested, we will carry out a marine litter survey based on Marine Conservation Society (MCS) procedure. This will involve selecting a 100-metre stretch of beach, over which we will remove, identify and record the litter that we find. The results will contribute to MCS’s national dataset, which is used to campaign for cleaner oceans.
In the event that there is only a small quantity of debris to collect, we may choose to undertake a different citizen science survey (such as a nurdle hunt) and submit the data we collect to increase understanding about marine pollution and habitats.
Friendly, quiet dogs are welcome, but we ask they are kept on a short lead throughout.
Route
This event will concentrate on the sandy beach between Fisherrow Harbour and the mouth of the River Esk, starting and finishing at the harbour. We will meet at the Harbour Office (the small stone building at the harbour, near the benches in the car park, with a brown sign reading “Fisherrow Harbour” above a brown door).
New Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6DQ
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What will we provide?
We'll provide the beach cleaning kit, including gloves, alcohol hand gel, bin bags and pickers (for those who want them). The group leader will carry a large, waterproof backpack to carry additional debris. A health and safety briefing will take place before heading onto the shore.
What do you need to bring?
Walking boots or shoes with good grip, clothing appropriate for the weather outside, a drink and food as required, any medication you may need, a mobile phone, sun protection (good weather days).
Accessibility
We will be on the move for around 1 hour 30 minutes during this clean-up. The route may include some gentle slopes, uneven sand, rocky ground, and slippery surfaces. We will always try to adjust the pace and the route to make sure that everyone is comfortable, but please let us know in advance if you have questions or concerns about the distance or the route. You can direct queries to conservationprojects@seabird.org.
Various bus services are available from the directions of Edinburgh, Haddington and North Berwick. These include:
Buses 30, 26, 44, 113 (Edinburgh direction).
Buses 106 (Haddington direction).
Buses 124 (North Berwick/Port Seton direction); note that the 124 involves a 20 – 30 minute walk to the meeting point.
There is also a train station in Musselburgh. From here you can walk or catch such buses as the 111 or the 30 to the harbour.
There is free parking at Fisherrow Harbour, or the parking at Gracefield and Brunton Hall is a 15 – 20 minute walk away.
Public toilets are available at Fisherrow Harbour.
We are sorry to say that this site is inaccessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs, as we are currently unable to provide Beach Wheelchairs at this location. However, should you require wheelchair access and wish to get involved in other beach cleanup events, check out our upcoming events at North Berwick, where we are delighted to provide wheelchair access to its beaches thanks to the incredible work of the team at Beach Wheelchairs.
Keeping everyone safe
Our group leader is a trained first aider and will be carrying a first aid kit and mobile phone. A copy of the risk assessment for the walk will be available to view before/during the event.
What if the event is cancelled?
If this event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions or other circumstances, we will get in touch with you the day before to let you know.