Following the recent spill of approximately one billion nurdles into the River Tyne, volunteers across the North East have been working tirelessly to protect our coastline.
Nurdles are small plastic pellets used in the manufacture of plastic products. Since the spill, they have washed up on beaches stretching from Northumberland to North Yorkshire. More than 6,000 hours of volunteer time have already been logged, with residents, community groups, local authorities and environmental organisations helping to collect nurdles, monitor affected areas and develop new clean-up methods. Clean-up kit boxes and specialist nurdle bins are now available at many local beaches, but pellets continue to wash ashore, and more volunteers are needed to support the ongoing effort.
North East Volunteer-Led Nurdle Hub
The North East Nurdle Hub is a volunteer-led information resource where you can find clean-up locations, learn how to safely collect nurdles, log volunteer hours and join local volunteer WhatsApp groups.
- Join a local beach clean-up through the volunteer WhatsApp groups on the Nurdle Hub.
- Record and report nurdle sightings.
- Encourage friends, family and colleagues to volunteer.
- Sign the petition calling for the UK to adopt a zero plastic pellet loss policy in line with new EU legislation.
- Read North Tyneside Council’s guidance on safely handling and reporting nurdles.
Take Part in the North East Nurdle Derby
Football fans can support both their club and the environment through the North East Nurdle Derby. Running from 1 September, the challenge brings together supporters of 10 North East clubs in a friendly competition to remove nurdles from our coastline. Every pellet collected helps protect local wildlife and beaches while earning points for your chosen team.
Find out more and register at nurdlederby.com.
Join the Great Global Nurdle Hunt
The Great Global Nurdle Hunt runs from 4 September to 4 October and allows individuals and communities to help track and remove nurdles from beaches around the world.
Using the free Nurdle Hunt app, participants can record sightings, log collections and submit data, even when offline. The information gathered helps researchers and environmental organisations build a clearer picture of plastic pollution and support action to prevent future spills.
Download the app and find out more at nurdlehunt.org.uk.
Every extra pair of hands can make a difference. Whether you can spare a few hours for a beach clean, encourage your organisation to support volunteering, or simply help raise awareness, your involvement can help protect our coastline for future generations.
