Information, Safety Guidance and Participation
Agreement
Thank you for joining The Big Forth Clean Up. With your help, we will remove marine litter from the entire coast of the Firth of Forth estuary, one of Scotland’s most important coastal environments. Your participation will help protect wildlife, improve local communities and contribute to valuable environmental data collection.
Please read the following guidance carefully before taking part.
Beach Clean Best Practice
The Big Forth Cleanup is following best practice guidelines set out by the Marine Conservation Society. Find these guidelines at www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/beach-clean
Please take a moment to visit the Marine Conservation Society site. It’s inspiring and full of invaluable information. You might even like to make a small donation.
Beach cleaning should always be carried out safely, responsibly and with respect for the natural environment. Participants should focus on removing litter and marine debris while avoiding unnecessary disturbance to habitats, vegetation, wildlife and natural coastal features. Please leave natural materials such as seaweed, driftwood and shells in place unless specifically instructed otherwise by event coordinators.
Where possible, work in pairs or small groups and remain aware of your surroundings. Collect litter that can be safely removed by hand or with litter-picking equipment. Do not attempt to move large, heavy or potentially hazardous items. If you discover such items, record their location and report them to the local Countryside Ranger Service or local authority.
Beach Cleaning Data Recording
The Big Forth Cleanup aims not only to remove litter but also to improve understanding of marine litter across the Firth of Forth. As well as beach cleaning, this is also a great opportunity to take part in some citizen science by carrying out a Marine Conservation Society Beach Watch Survey! To take part in this we are encouraging participants to record information about the types and quantities of litter collected. This valuable information helps identify marine litter sources and supports future conservation and policy initiatives. For more details about how to carry out a survey, head to https://www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/beach-clean/beach-clean-forms/ where you can register your clean with MCS. Registering your clean with MCS ensures the data collected by you on your cleans becomes a part of the OSPAR database, which assesses and monitors the composition of beach litter across Europe.
Another way we can quantify what we collaboratively collect is to count and photograph the number of bags collected, and if possible to also weigh them (travel scales are perfect for this). After the event, we will provide a google form that will give you the opportunity to report your findings.
Wildlife Awareness
The Firth of Forth supports internationally important populations of seabirds, wading birds, marine mammals and other wildlife. Volunteers should remain alert to the presence of wildlife at all times and maintain a respectful distance from animals and nesting areas.
If you encounter seals, birds, nests, eggs or other wildlife, do not approach, handle or disturb them. If you discover an injured or distressed animal, report it immediately to the local Countryside Ranger Service or one of the key contacts below.
Cleaning activities should be adapted or relocated if there is a risk of disturbing wildlife.
Key Contacts
- Scottish SPCA (SSPCA): Call 03000 999 999 (open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) for both birds and seals.
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR): Call 01825 765546 (24/7 hotline) primarily for marine mammals like seals.
- Scottish Seabird Centre (North Berwick): Call 01620 890202 or visit the Scottish Seabird Centre for local advice
Health and Safety
Beach cleaning takes place in an outdoor environment where conditions can change quickly. Participants should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear appropriate for uneven, wet or slippery terrain. Gloves should be worn when handling litter and participants should wash their hands thoroughly after the event.
Do not touch sharp objects, medical waste, chemical containers, unknown substances, dead animals or potentially hazardous materials. If such items are discovered, mark the location where safe to do so and notify the local Countryside Ranger Service or local authority. Anyone feeling unwell or injured should seek assistance immediately and call the appropriate emergency services.
Always be sure to assess the conditions on the day and only undertake a beach clean if safe to do so.
Access and Coastal Conditions
Four main councils border the Firth of Forth: Fife Council, City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, and Falkirk Council.
Helpful links:
The coastline of the Firth of Forth varies considerably and may include rocky shores, mudflats, harbours, sea walls, beaches, saltmarshes and uneven coastal paths. Volunteers should carefully assess access routes and only enter areas that can be reached safely.
Some locations may have limited accessibility, steep gradients or challenging terrain. Participants should remain within designated cleaning areas and follow local guidance on access. Anyone requiring additional support or accessibility information is encouraged to contact organisers in advance of the event.
Tides and Water Safety
The Firth of Forth experiences significant tidal movements which can rapidly change access conditions and create hazards. Volunteers should familiarise themselves with local tide times before attending and must always follow guidance provided by event organisers regarding safe working areas.
Never allow yourself to become cut off by the incoming tide and avoid working close to the water’s edge where wave action, slippery surfaces or unstable ground may present risks. If in doubt, move to higher ground and seek advice from an event coordinator. Personal safety should always take priority over litter collection.
You can see the current Firth of Forth tide times here:
www.tideschart.com/United-Kingdom/Scotland/Firth-of-Forth/
The Firth of Forth shoreline is covered by multiple dedicated Coastguard Rescue
In an emergency immediately dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Participant Responsibility and Acknowledgement of Risk
Participation in The Big Forth Clean Up is voluntary. By taking part, participants acknowledge that coastal environments contain inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, tidal movements, slips, trips, falls and hazards associated with litter and marine debris.
Participants agree to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, follow guidance on this page, and act responsibly throughout the event. Parents, guardians or responsible adults remain responsible for any children or vulnerable individuals attending under their supervision.
Emergency Procedures & Incident Reporting
In an Emergency
If there is an immediate danger to life or a serious injury, call 999 and request the appropriate emergency service.
If Someone Is Injured
Provide assistance only if it is safe and you are confident to do so. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Contact the emergency services as required and follow their instructions.
Hazardous or Dangerous Waste
Do not touch or attempt to move hazardous items, including needles, medical waste, chemical containers, gas cylinders, unidentified drums, explosives or potentially dangerous materials. Mark the location where it is safe to do so and immediately report to the local Countryside Ranger Service, or emergency services.
Safeguarding and Photography Consent
We would like everyone to be focused on this event being safe, welcoming and inclusive for all participants. We expect all participants to treat others with dignity and respect. Any concerns relating to safeguarding, welfare, inappropriate behaviour or safety should be reported immediately to relevant authorities. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied and appropriately supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible adult unless participating as part of an organised group operating under separate safeguarding arrangements.
During the event, photographs and video footage may be captured by Balanced Horizon, Forth Ports and authorised partners for use in project reports, funding applications, websites, social media, press releases, promotional materials and other communications relating to the charity’s work. By participating, you acknowledge that images may be taken in public spaces where large numbers of volunteers are present. If you do not wish to appear in photographs or video recordings, please notify bfc@balancedhorizon.org Additionally if you are aware of photos being taken during beach cleans and do not wish to appear in photographs or videos please make this known to the photographer.
We will take reasonable steps to respect your wishes, although we cannot guarantee that you will not appear incidentally in wider crowd images or background footage. Any images or personal information collected will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
Liability Statement
Balanced Horizon is committed to organising The Big Forth Clean Up in a safe and responsible manner. Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for assessing their own fitness, capabilities and suitability for participation.
To the fullest extent permitted by Scots law, Balanced Horizon, its trustees, employees, volunteers, partners and sponsors shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, expense or claim arising from participation in the event, except where such liability cannot legally be excluded, including liability arising from death or personal injury caused by negligence.
By participating in The Big Forth Clean Up, participants confirm that they have read and understood this guidance, accept the inherent risks associated with coastal volunteering activities and agree to comply with all reasonable instructions issued by event organisers.