This summer, as Brighton’s beaches fill with picnics, paddling, and plastic cups, we’re shining a light on one local group that’s keeping our coastline beautiful, one beach clean at a time.
We spoke to Coral Evans, the founding director of Leave No Trace Brighton, a community-driven environmental campaign that encourages responsible waste disposal and beach preservation, to learn more about how we can all help keep Brighton’s beaches clean.
An Interview with Coral Evans of Leave No Trace Brighton
Q: How did Leave No Trace Brighton begin?
Coral Evans:” Leave No Trace Brighton started in April 2022, after the first lockdown. As restrictions eased, people flooded into the city to enjoy the beach, and unfortunately, the amount of rubbish left behind was staggering. The contrast to lockdown was shocking—nature had been thriving with fewer visitors, but as soon as the lockdown floodgates opened, the beaches were overrun with litter. I took it upon myself to start picking up the rubbish with a litter picker and a bin bag, and my neighbor joined in. From there, the initiative grew as more and more people came together to take action.”
Q: What are the worst environmental impacts on Brighton’s beaches, and do they change with the seasons?
Coral Evans: “Yes, the types of waste change with the seasons. In summer, single-use plastics—especially food and drink packaging and plastic pint cups—are the major problem. These items are often discarded by beachgoers who don’t have a strong connection to the beach, and it’s a real challenge. On the other hand, winter brings in debris like fishing lines, nets, and plastic waste washed up from storms. Plastic fishing waste, such as discarded lines, nets and hooks pose a serious threat to marine life and the coastal environment, as these materials can entangle wildlife, causing injury or death, be mistaken for food, and also break down into microplastics that pollute the sea, and via the food chain, us.”
Q: How can people help keep the beaches clean?
Coral Evans: “It starts with simple actions. We encourage everyone to take the “Brighton Pledge”—a digital commitment to responsible waste disposal. Another simple tip is to “Take 3 for the Sea”: pick up at least three pieces of litter every time you visit the beach. It doesn’t matter how small the action is—it all adds up. Also, carry reusable cups and containers to reduce single-use plastic. If you forget yours, make sure to dispose of your waste responsibly, either in a bin or by taking it home with you. Don’t squeeze your rubbish into an overflowing bin—take a few extra steps to find a clear one or carry it until you can.”
“Q: How can people get involved and take action?”
Coral Evans: “There are plenty of ways to get involved. We host Sea Lanes Community Beach Cleans on the last Sunday of each month, which is a great way to meet like-minded people and make a direct impact on our beaches. But even if you can’t join a clean-up, you can still take action by visiting our Instagram, signing the pledge, and sharing our message. It’s all about getting people to take responsibility for their waste—take it home if you have to. When enough people take action, we can make a real difference.”
Brighton’s beaches are a beloved destination, but they need our help to stay beautiful. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, following a few simple steps can make a huge difference:
Take action: easy ways to leave Brighton better than you found it
- Take 3 for the Sea: #take3forthesea
- Carry reusable cups and containers
- Sign the Brighton Pledge: A small promise, big impact
- Join a community beach clean: Held every last Sunday of the month at Sea Lanes
JULY 2025 | Sunday 27th, 09:30 – 11:30am
AUGUST 2025 | Sunday 31st, 09:30 – 11:30am
SEPTEMBER 2025 | Sunday 28th, 09:30 – 11:30am
By taking small actions, we can all contribute to help protect and preserve the health of the stunning coastal environment that makes Brighton so special.
Follow @LeaveNoTraceBrighton on Instagram or visit:
www.leavenotracebrighton.org
Sign the pledge
There’s a better way to live.