Big Spring Clean Starting with Minerstown Beach

Getting ready for the Big Spring Clean at Minerstown beach are Tidy NI Campaign Officer Patricia Magee, Rebecca McGreevy, Down Council Assistant Education Officer, and Doris Noe, Lecale Conservation Chairperson.[/caption] Patricia Magee, Campaign Officer, TIDY Northern Ireland said: “Minerstown Beach is a hidden treasure of Co Down’s coastline and could do with some care and attention now that spring is upon us. I urge people to show their support and keep Minerstown tidy in time for Easter. The Big Spring Clean is the perfect opportunity to find out what our local landscapes are covered in so please get involved.” Doris Noe, Lecale Conservation Chairperson added: “Minerstown Beach is a real resource in Down District’s crown in terms of biodiversity. We want the public to enjoy the benefits of a healthy environment and our litter lift on Saturday 23 March will not only make the beach more attractive but also will remove litter which is harmful to marine life. “Common seals haul out on nearby rocks and we are in the process of producing a seal awareness leaflet. People acting in a responsible manner pose no risk to the wonderful wildlife found on this beach. Please come and help us do a big spring clean. Our local members will be there helping in the clean up.” The Minerstown Beach Spring Clean supported by Tidy Northern Ireland, Down District Council and Lecale Conservation is starting time is 11am. Participants should meet at the steps leading to Minerstown Beach, (halfway between Tyrella and Killough) with a finishing time of 2pm. Bags, gloves and litter picking tools will be provided. Volunteers can contact Doris Noe on 028 4484 3141. Down District Council is keen to encourage other volunteer groups to carry out clean ups  along our coastlines and parks. For further information or to register contact Rebecca McGreevy on 028 4461 0800 or email rebecca.mcgreevy@downdc.gov.uk Particular hotspots are around Ardglass beaches and harbour, and along the coast south to wards Newcastle where much rubbish from the sea is washed in to the shore.]]>