Alnmouth Esturay at low tide with the river running into the North Sea Gail Johnson

Beachwatch Data Explorer

2 minute read

Since 1994, our volunteers have been collecting important data on the types and amounts of litter found on the UK and Channel Islands’ coastline, which we’ve used to campaign for positive change. Now, you can take a closer look at what they’ve found with our new interactive dashboard.

What is the dashboard?

Our new interactive dashboard is an easy way to find out more about the types of litter found on our coastline. You can explore trends over time, and take a closer look at the results in your nation and county to see what items are most littered in your area.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who collected this crucial data so we can provide the evidence we need to turn the tide on litter pollution.

Check out Beachwatch data with our dashboard

Beachwatch Dashboard

Get involved

Although we have a strong picture of marine litter in some areas, there are some parts of the UK where more data is needed. That's where you come in.

You can take part in a beach clean and complete a litter survey on a beach that hasn't been surveyed much, to help fill in the gaps. The data you collect will help us keep a track of litter trends, which we can in turn use to lobby the Government for change. Beach cleans are also a feel-good way to help the environment.

Dashboard FAQs

The data shown in the Beachwatch Data Explorer has been instrumental in creating positive change for our ocean. From plastic carrier bags and other single-use plastic items to wet wipes and fishing and aquaculture gear, we’ve used it to highlight problematic litter items washing up on our shores and secure legislative changes and bans to prevent them polluting our environment.

As a result, we’ve seen an 80% drop in plastic carrier bags on beaches across the UK since the charges came into force. Legislation has also been passed to remove plastic from wet wipes, and we’re now seeing a decline in single-use plastic items such as cutlery, straws and cups.

Non-sourced: We’re not sure where these items are from – usually because they’re too tiny to identify.

Public: Items that end up on the beach because of the public, such as litter that’s thrown away, or items left on the beach.

Fishing: Things that help anglers and commercial fishers catch seafood, like lobster pots and fishing nets.

Sewage-related debris: Items flushed down the toilet that should go in the bin, like wet wipes and period products.

Shipping: Items lost or thrown overboard from boats or ships.

Fly-tipped: Large items like TVs and tyres.

Beachwatch Data Explorer

What is the dashboard?

Get involved

Dashboard FAQs

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