The beaches on the Fylde are one of the finest places for walks and play all year round, yet some people still feel it’s necessary to leave their mess there. Add to that the plastics and other waste that washes up on the shore, and the pollution soon piles up on this stunning coastline.
Fylde and Blackpool councils, working with our Wildlife Trust and LoveMyBeach, do their best to clean up the mess, but wouldn't it be better if we weren’t creating this problem in the first place?
Fylde Sand Dunes Project Community Engagement Officer, Amy Pennington, making a Litter Critter
To draw attention to the plastic problem and the creatures it threatens, both on shore and in the sea, we're bringing back our popular Litter Critters workshops during February half-term.
Families can drop in and create their own critters from some of the litter that has been found on the beach, as well as other recyclable waste. You can even bring litter from home along with you to turn into your favourite marine critter. The finished Litter Critters will then be added to an exciting and colourful exhibition that's open to the public.
Fylde Sand Dunes Project Community Engagement Officer, Amy Pennington, said: “We created some amazing critters last year. It provided an opportunity to speak to lots of people about the problems caused by litter on the beach, which can then get into the sea.
A whale 'Litter Critter' made from a waste milk carton
“The exhibition is an exciting hanging “underwater” display of marine animals, creating an undersea adventure. Visitors can help us convert the collected litter and recyclable waste from our local beaches into art pieces to create their favourite animal from the coast.
“Plastics in particular can create horrible problems for our wonderful Irish Sea wildlife. Litter Critters helps people to understand the creatures we have in our bit of the ocean and how we can start to protect it by being a little bit more thoughtful.”
Our Litter Critters workshops are being held at the EcoPod at Park View 4U, Queen Elizabeth II Park View Playing Fields, Park View Road, Lytham, FY8 4JE.
You don't need to book to come along - just turn up on the day. The workshops will run from Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February from 10am to 3pm, except Wednesday, when the opening times are 1pm to 3pm. We hope to see you there!
