Kent brewer Shepherd Neame launches clean beach initiative

Kent-based brewer Shepherd Neame is launching an initiative to try to clean up Britain’s beaches.

Britain’s oldest brewer has invited volunteers at four of its coastal locations to take part in a new series of summer beach cleans starting 25 July to mark national marine week.

The initiative is being run in conjunction with the independent brewer’s charity of the year, Kent Wildlife Trust, who will be sending a member to answer any questions and explain the impact of litter on marine life.

Lucie Bolton, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re delighted Shepherd Neame has chosen to organise a number of beach cleans this summer. We’re so lucky in Kent to have such a beautiful coastline which supports some amazing wildlife, but these habitats and the wildlife that depends on them face a myriad of threats including plastic pollution.

“Kent Wildlife Trust are working hard to protect and restore these habitats by carrying out regular Shoresearch surveys, working with protected area wardens and being part of regular beach clean events just like these. These events are a fantastic opportunity for families to come and meet members of our Marine Conservation Team and learn more about protecting our amazing Kent coast.”

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With numbers limited to 40 volunteers per event, people are being encouraged to sign up in advance, although some on-the-day sign-ups may be available.

The cleans will all be held from 10.15am to noon and volunteers can drop in at any point. They will be held at the following sites:

The Minnis Bay, Birchington – Sunday, July 24
The Botany Bay, Kingsgate – Sunday, July 31
The Marine, Tankerton – Sunday, August 7
The Royal Albion, Broadstairs – Sunday, August 14

The first 30 people who sign up to take part will also receive a Sheps Giving reusable water bottle to take away with them.

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “Our decision to partner with Kent Wildlife Trust as our 2022 Charity of the Year was not only to raise money and awareness for the charity, but to do what we can for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent.

“We are incredibly excited to launch our first series of beach cleans, which will not only help our environment and precious marine life, but also offer a glorious way to spend time getting outside and enjoying our beautiful Kentish coast this summer.”

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