National Trust mobilises volunteers to deal with rubbish

National Trust mobilises volunteers to deal with rubbish

17 July 2013

A CLEAN-UP of litter left by visitors to Murlough Beach was led by the National Trust yesterday.

Staff went litter picking on the sand dunes with volunteers from as far afield as France, Germany and Spain taking part.

National Trust staff and volunteers hope the move will encourage others to do the same — appealing to members of the public to put all their rubbish in the bins provided and pick up their dog mess before leaving the beach.

Barbara Muhly, Property Manager for the National Trust in South Down, was among the 20 plus group who rolled up their sleeves in search of debris.

“We believe it is extremely important to keep the beach litter free for the enjoyment of our visitors, in order for us to maintain good water quality and our Blue Flag Beach status a regular beach clean is vital,” she said.

Murlough National Nature Reserve at Dundrum is a 6,000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Northern Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967.

Both Murlough National Nature Reserve and Castle Ward are looking for volunteers at either property. Volunteering job deions are available by calling 028 4488 1204 or by e-mailing castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk