A beach is a unique environment with specific challenges and risks so if you're thinking of doing a tidy up on the coastline then the first thing to do is to get in touch with an organisation that specialises in tidying up beaches.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) does some fantastic work in this area and their coastal environmental initiative, MCS Beachwatch, brings together local individuals, groups and communities in caring for their coastal environment.

Stemming the rising tide of beach rubbish is what the MCS's forthcoming Beachwatch Big Weekend on 17-18 September is all about so registering on their site is a great first place to start. You'll be able to find out about activities going on in your area and you'll also get the low down on how to carry out beach tidy ups safely and effectively.