Beach clean has educational side
CHILDREN are leading the way in tackling the problems with bathing water quality in Combe Martin.
The pupils of Combe Martin Primary School plan to take part in a beach clean-up next Friday.
The schoolchildren will also be producing a leaflet educating local residents about the dangers of dog fouling.
Combe Martin Parish Council has created a working party which is tasked with improving the quality of bathing water at the public beach.
The group includes parish councillors, local residents and Jo Walkden — the headteacher of Combe Martin Primary School.
Mrs Walkden said: "We are just trying to do all we can to help ensure the water quality is up to standard.
"As a school, at the heart of the community, it is important we are doing something."
Residents are advised not to take dogs on the beach in Combe Martin, but there is not a by-law banning dogs.
One possible factor of the sea water failing pollution tests is considered to be dog fouling.
Now leaflets produced by pupils from the school will be given to local parents.
"They will just remind adults to be responsible dog owners," said Mrs Walkden.
"Obviously it has a detrimental effect on children if people do not tidy up after their pets. The majority of dog walkers are responsible it is just a case of encouraging the few that aren't."
The beach clean up next Friday March 19 between 9.30am and 3pm is also being supported by Combe Martin Museum and the parish council.
Residents are invited to join pupils, councillors, museum volunteers and the Biosphere Reserve staff for the clean up.
A map of the River Umber will also be made available in the school so parents can note the time, date and location of any debris in the River Umber.
5 Comments
by name supplied, Combe Martin
Monday, March 15 2010, 3:59PM
“Perhaps if the children involved in this project do take the time to pick up "other peoples" litter it may make them think twice before thoughtlessly casting crisp packets, sweet-wrappers and drink containers willy nilly on their way home from school - and presumably at other times as well?
If the parents are so concerned about the supervision required for this excercise, perhaps they could offer to help and make this project a success.
l wish the new head every sucess with this well intentioned and topical community initiative.”
by Parent, CM
Monday, March 15 2010, 10:57AM
“The Big Biosphere Beach Clean sounds a good idea, however i still think to take 5year olds to a beach to pick up litter is not the way to go about it. For example to take four classes for argument sake to the beach is approx 100 kids needing at least 25 adult to supervise how are you going to ensure they don't pick up anything harmful is beyond me its bad enough with just two. And I know I¿m not the only parent saying this.”
by Beach Clean Supporter, Combe Martin
Monday, March 15 2010, 9:53AM
“We are educating the future generations of Combe Martin Citizens. By taking part in activities such as the Big Biosphere Beach Clean which is a Devon wide environmental project, the school are undertaking their remit to deliver on many aspects of the national curriculum which cannot be achieved by sitting in a classroom.
Perhaps if all CM citizens took time to explore the bigger picture we would not live in such a messed up world.”
by disgusted, combe martin
Friday, March 12 2010, 8:33PM
“Lets hope there will be no syringes, condoms, sanitary towels, tampons, broken glass, dog poo, fish hooks or other dangerous items on the beach that day!! Cannot believe the school is participating in this. Fair enough if locals wish to do it but not young children. If I had a child in the school I would also be keeping them at home that day!! Oh and the majority of the dog fouling is done by the lazy couple who live next to the beach and let their labradors foul on the beach and pretend t pick it up! Yes I said pretend!! Have witnessed this on many of occasions!! Whilst children have been playing on the beach”
by Parent, CM
Friday, March 12 2010, 2:15PM
“After all the years of stopping our children from picking up rubbish from on the beach or pavement due to dogs mess broken bottles and the like we get the Head Teacher from the primary school actively encouraging it, what happened to school education from 9 ¿3.30 we are told not to take our children out of school during term time and here she is taking them to the beech to clear up other peoples mess. This is what we pay our taxes for. I think I¿ll take my kids out of class to clean up my back garden.”