Clean up seas and rivers for wildlife and people

Beach clean at Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire

The places we love are being damaged by raging storms, shifting shores, flooding and plastic pollution. But we can all help turn the tide. Why not make a promise that helps care for our precious coast and waterways?

Did you know that no one in the UK lives more than 75 miles from the sea? As an island nation, we have a strong connection to the coast. Our seas are a sanctuary for wildlife, home to thousands of species and our beaches are a place to relax, to play, to breathe. 

And it's not just the coast that's important. Rivers are a vital part of our natural world. They are the corridors which feed our landscapes, where our wildlife thrives and foliage blooms. They provide water for us to drink as well as for crops to grow and tranquil places to explore.

There are lots of ways we can help our rivers and seas. Take a look at our top tips for keeping your promise for nature. 

  Make your promise
How to keep your promise
National Trust Great British Beach Clean

Pitch in with a beach clean 

If you're passionate about our beautiful coastline, why not come along to a beach clean and lend a hand? Whether you join a one-off beach clean event or do something every month, you'll be making a difference to care for the coast and all the wildlife that depend on it.

Image shows a variety of sustainable products from our collection from cleaning products to storage

Swap to plastic-free products 

An easy way to help our rivers and seas is to use less plastic. But if you're not sure what alternatives are out there, we can help. From beeswax wraps for your lunchbox, reusable straws, to guppys that catch microfibers when you wash your clothes, there are so many eco-friendly options out there.

Tips to save water

One way we can help our rivers and seas is to use less water in our daily lives. We've come up with some simple ways you can reduce your water use.

Save water with what you wear

It can take nearly 3,000 litres of waters to make just one t-shirt sold on the high street. You could save water by buying less or buying second hand.

Flushed with success

Toilets made before 2001 use up to three times more water than new models. You can opt for the standard-brick system or buy a water saver if you’re looking for something more robust.

Shower power

Channel the power of water and switch to a hydro-electric shower. You could buy a shower head that gives you the feel of a high-pressure shower but uses less water. Or set a timer so you spend less time in the shower.

How we're helping our coast and rivers
River Derwent

Bringing riverlands back to life 

Rivers are the lifeblood of our landscapes, but now they’re in trouble – and so is the wildlife that depends on them. We’re determined to reverse this decline with an ambitious restoration project to bring our rivers, streams, brooks and becks flowing back to life.

Restoring the riverlands
Beaver being introduced to new home at Holnicote Estate, Somerset Play Video
Video

Eager beavers help us prevent flooding

There are now two beavers splashing around in a peaceful river enclosure on the Holnicote Estate in Somerset. Once settled, the pair will start changing the landscape in ways that will help us tackle some of the challenges brought by climate change. Watch these shy creatures tentatively explore their new home.

Arable plant survey at Pentire Farm, North Cornwall

Caring for the coast 

From repairing coast paths, restoring wildlife habitats, to counting grey seals, our rangers and volunteers work hard every day to care for the coast.

Learn about the work we do
Rangers counts puffins on the Farne Islands Play Video
Video

Counting the Farne Island puffins

Every year, rangers on the Farne Islands undertake a puffin census to check population numbers. Once the numbers are in, rangers can see if the size of the colony has changed since the last survey and make important decisions to help protect the puffins. Meet Harriet, one of the Farne Island rangers who took part in the 2018 count.

Learn about the puffin count
Gull chicks, Farne Islands, Northumberland

Why stop there? 

With a whole year packed full of ideas and inspiration to help you on your way, you don't have to stick to just one promise.