By Isle of Wight Observer
More than 40 Islanders of all ages came together in East Cowes last Friday to take part in the first Marine Heroes beach clean and nature adventure, collecting 20 bags of rubbish from the shoreline.
The event, organised by Wild Isle Nature School (WINS) and supported by East Cowes Town Council (ECTC) and Surfers Against Sewage, combined environmental action with family fun. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to tackle litter on the Esplanade, including plastic wrappers, bottles and fishing debris, all posing risks to local wildlife.
As well as cleaning, families were encouraged to connect with nature. Children took part in scavenger hunts, searched for shells, and listened to stories highlighting the dangers of plastic in our seas. Each child received a Marine Heroes certificate to mark their efforts.
Elle Frankling, founder of WINS, said: “Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and when we give them the time and space to explore, they discover not just knowledge but also their power to make a difference. Events like Marine Heroes show how small actions, taken together, can have a big impact on our environment.” She also thanked all volunteers and ECTC for making the day possible.
The next Marine Heroes event will take place on September 1. To book a place, visit iw.observer/nature-school.
Mal Butler