Volunteering for a Beach Clean at Hurst Spit, New Forest National Park

The New Forest, in the south of England, was created by William the Conqueror in 1079 as a royal hunting ground. Once reserved for the privileged, the area, now the New Forest National Park, covers around 566 square kilometres and is open for everyone to enjoy. It’s a place I love, and one I feel privileged to call home.

Following the end of the summer tourist season, I volunteered for a beach clean on Hurst Spit. Hurst Spit is a hook-shaped shingle bank extending about 1.4 miles from Milford-on-Sea into the Solent, and at its tip stands Hurst Castle, an artillery fortress built by Henry VIII in 1541.

Together with ten others, including James - the Volunteer and Accessibility Coordinator for the New Forest National Park Authority - we gathered the necessary gear and set off. By the end of the day, we had filled ten standard-size domestic bin bags with litter that had either washed up or been discarded. I had expected plastic bottles to be the most common item, but that turned out not to be the case.

Joining us were Lisa and Paul from a local Community Interest Company, Flourish in Nature. They support adults with additional needs, helping them access the outdoors, develop new skills, and feel part of the community. On this day, four young adults volunteered—many experiencing a task that would not normally be accessible to them. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and the sense of achievement the clean-up brought.

The New Forest National Park Authority is a public body with statutory duties: to conserve and enhance the park’s natural beauty, wildlife, and heritage, and to promote its enjoyment by the public. Although funded through a central government grant, the authority relies heavily on volunteers for vital tasks such as path clearing, tree planting, and heathland restoration. They also run Pedall, a scheme offering adapted bicycles for people with disabilities or other barriers, ensuring that everyone can experience the forest’s physical and mental health benefits.

Volunteering for a beach clean isn’t just about picking up litter - it’s about connection: connecting with nature, with the community, and with people whose lives are enriched through inclusion. Hurst Spit, with its sweeping views of the Solent and the historic castle, reminds us how important it is to protect these places. By giving a little of our time, we can all help preserve the beauty and wellbeing of this truly special landscape.