In just under three hours a group of cubs and other volunteers filled a skip to its brim and over during a clean-up at St Thomas Bay, Marsascala.

The Tarxien Cubs and Friends of Marsascala society members woke up early and joined Nature Trust in the Legambiente – Clean Up The Med initiative, which is carried out around the Mediterranean sea.

The location chosen was the coast along St Thomas Bay and the volunteers first received a talk about the ecological importance of the area. Malta’s beaches are frequented by many people, the result being waste that is not disposed of properly.

Marine turtles are known to nest on Maltese beaches and Nature Trust is ensuring that these are kept clean during the nesting season. “The reason we carry out clean-ups on coastal areas is not only cosmetic but beneficial from a conservational point of view to ensure the safety of creatures who share the beaches with us. If the waste is not removed, it will eventually find itself in the sea, causing harm to marine turtles, dolphins and sea birds,” said a Nature Trust representative.

The NGO also said it received calls about marine turtles injured from swallowing plastic and becoming tangled in nylon.

The main aim of the clean-up activity was to make the cubs aware that even though they are still young, their efforts in fostering a cleaner environment are much appreciated and most valued.

The society, which has worked hard to make Marsascala a better place to live in, believes such clean-ups raise awareness and send out a positive message to locals and visitors to dispose of their waste in the right manner.

Nature Trust organises regular clean-ups. Those interested in organising a clean-up can e-mail info@naturetrustmalta.org or call 2131 3150.