Beachwatch 2022 Results

The results of the litter surveys carried out by volunteers in Suffolk during 2022, as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch scheme, show that 81.08kg of litter was cleared from the coast & estuaries in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Most beachwatch events that took place were in September for the Great British Beach Clean. Many individuals and families who walked along the coast and estuaries on their daily exercise picked up litter.

Key Beachwatch 2022 Facts

26 litter surveys were carried out
362 volunteers took part in Beachwatch surveys
7,034 items of litter were recorded
73% of litter collected was made of plastic or polystyrene

Top 10 Litter Items

8 out of the top 10 litter items in the AONB were of plastic composition:

Plastic/Polystyrene: Plastic/polystyrene pieces 2.5-50cm
Plastic/Polystyrene: Packets (crisp, sweet, lolly (inc sticks), sandwich)
Plastic/Polystyrene: Cigarette stubs
Plastic/Polystyrene: String/cord (thickness 0-1cm)
Plastic/Polystyrene: Caps / lids
Plastic/Polystyrene: Fishing line (angling)
Other glass items (total)
Other paper/cardboard items (total)
Plastic/Polystyrene: Cups
Plastic/Polystyrene: Fishing net and net pieces 0-50cm

We are very grateful to everyone for their valuable contribution in helping to look after the Coast & Heaths AONB and wider marine environment.