Sleat Nature Group
Beach Surveys

In 2024 Sleat Nature Group began a regular quarterly survey of one of their favourite beaches, Ostaig. The surveys are part of a long-term research project on the evolution of, and ongoing issues with beach litter on Skye, led by Dr Tom Stanton of Loughborough University (watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6G4LVAEn1s0?si=fq4g_QzPyxMg-rIr )

During each survey the volunteers collect marine litter from marked 100 square metre plots (ie, 10mx10m quadrants) along a transect set between the most recent high water mark and the uppermost permanent ‘storm’ high water mark. All surface litter that has been washed up on the beach found in the quadrants is sorted and identified according to Scottish Islands Federation (SIF) identification spreadsheets that begin to determine the litter’s source. 

The survey results contribute data into both the SIF/Marine Conservation Society surveys and to Loughborough University’s ’50 Years of Litter on Skye’ academic project that aims to help inform government policy on the marine litter problem.

Spring, summer and autumn surveys are typically held in conjunction with a community beach clean, gathering together locals for a morning of beach wombling. The beach cleans are assisted by the Highland Council who provide a skip  to remove the collected waste.

The graphic below shows a typical breakdown of the kind of marine litter found on Ostaig beach