Things to do · Explore

Join a beach clean

A beach clean is also a survey, because volunteers record what they pick up and the tallies feed long-running databases of marine litter. The International Coastal Cleanup gathers those records from shores and waterways around the world, and the Marine Conservation Society does the same for UK beaches.

GentleFreeAn afternoonOutdoorsWith othersUK and US

How to start

  1. Search the Marine Conservation Society's Find a beach clean directory in the UK, or the International Coastal Cleanup map in the US.
  2. Read the event listing to see whether litter pickers, gloves and bags are provided.
  3. Turn up in sturdy footwear and help record each item collected, on the sheet or in the Clean Swell app.

Where to go

We opened these links on 7 October 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.

Read next

More like this

← All activities

The Second Start — our free email list

Our email is starting soon: one real story and one thing to try. Join now to get the first one. Free: the 7-Day Restart Plan (PDF) when you join.

Make this site yours

Three quick questions and we'll show you what fits: no beginner tips if you're already fit, no marathons if you're just starting. It stays in this browser, and you can change it any time.

How active are you at the moment?
Your age (optional)
What interests you? (pick any)