Last month saw keen groups of Green Gym volunteers cleaning up local beaches at Gwithian and Porthtowan as part of Clean Cornwall week 2013. Whilst winds were gusty and sunshine limited, members of The Conservation Volunteers managed to pack almost twenty bags full of litter from the beach. A range of litter was found, mostly bits of plastic and rope, however some interesting finds were made including a shoe and a pair of pants.
Team leader Jennie Scriven said “I was surprised by the amount of litter we managed to collect, particularly from Porthtowan where a spring tide seemed to carry an unusually high amount onto the beach. This is great work by the Green Gym volunteers, litter on beaches isn't just nasty for us, it's also major hazard to our marine wildlife”.
Volunteer Officer Jono Broome was also impressed by the ongoing effort of the volunteers who are unwavering in their commitment to the Green Gym programme even when entering the winter months. “It just goes to show the positive benefits of helping out. Socially, physically and mentally all our volunteers get that good feeling after a day out, whether rain or shine”.
The Green Gym and Green Crew meet every Thursday and Friday morning to help maintain and improve local green spaces around Cornwall. It is designed to be inclusive of people of all ages and fitness levels who prefer a day in the outdoors rather than a conventional gym. Volunteers also get the chance to meet new people and put something back into their local community.
