Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust teams out collecting debris from North Sea crash at Gibraltar Point and other parts of the coast

Clean-up crews have been hard at work removing debris from our beaches following a collision in the North Sea.

Burnt plastic has been washing up on the Lincolnshire coast since early last week in the aftermath of a collision between two tankers.

Operations have been underway for several days, with the relevant authorities continuing to survey and collect materials.

At Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, the plastic pollution has been extensive, leading to concerns for the rare and vulnerable species at the shorebird sanctuary, such as little tern and ringed plover, which are set to start appearing on Tuesday, April 1.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has made clearing the area its priority ahead of the breeding and nesting season.

“This section of beach at Gibraltar Point is extremely difficult to access with the specialist equipment that is being used elsewhere, but teams of trust staff are collecting the burnt material and plastic nurdles, and discussions are underway with authorities to support us in this task,” the trust said on Facebook.

Those wanting to visit Gibraltar Point in the coming days are being asked not to touch the debris and to ensure that children and dogs are kept away.

The trust has also told people to let waste teams do the work safely and be aware that there may be more vehicles on access tracks than normal.

If you find burnt plastic materials or nurdles elsewhere on our coast that may not have been reported, you can call Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 0344 382 0580 or email zone8@hmcg.gov.uk. with a what3words location or a grid reference to assist HM Coastguard to identify the exact location.