September saw us organising the Marine Conservation Society Beach Survey at our registered location on Princes Parade. We organised this and invited the Folkestone Brownies and Guides, as well as the local primary school to attend to help us survey a 100 meter stretch of the beach. This was well supported by the brownies as it allowed them to work towards their badges – so gave them a sense of achievement as well. Litter picks and equipment was provided by Shepway District Council.
The criteria was that all “litter” should be collected, and then this data is analyzed and the results of this are sent off to the Marine Conservation Society to form part of their National Survey which takes place all throughout the weekend. It was excellent to work with the local Brownies and Guides and gave us an opportunity to talk to their mums about Soroptimists. The leaders also expressed their thanks as it was lovely for them to attend an event that they hadn’t had to organise!
General feedback at the time of the survey was that there was less rubbish than people expected so it will be interesting to see the results later in the year from the national survey.
Once we had completed the area of the survey, we then spent some more time just doing a general beach clean to support our local environment. Same time next year ladies!