Coming together to clean up Cambois Beach

Members of our team joined local volunteers and partner organisations at Cambois Beach in August 2026 to help tackle plastic pollution along the North East coastline.

The clean-up followed a ship collision in July that resulted in thousands of small plastic pellets, known as nurdles, being released into the River Tyne. Carried by tides and currents, the pellets have since washed up at locations along the coast, including Cambois Beach.

Working alongside colleagues from BAM, the Port of Blyth, local organisations and volunteers, our team spent the day collecting thousands of nurdles from the shoreline and helping to prevent them from re-entering the marine environment.
Although only a few millimetres in size, nurdles can have a significant impact on coastal and marine ecosystems. They are often difficult to spot and remove, particularly when buried in sand, but clearing them is an important step in protecting local wildlife and reducing long-term environmental harm.

The beach clean-up formed part of a much wider response to nurdle pollution across the North East. With pellets continuing to be uncovered and washed ashore, the efforts of local communities, organisations and volunteers remain vital in helping to keep the coastline clean.

For the team, the day was an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and support a cause affecting a coastline close to the project. It also provided a chance to work alongside local partners and volunteers to make a practical, positive contribution to the area. 

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