Hemsby beach: Visitor fears plastic harming wildlife

Christopher Peacher, 71, has been visiting Hemsby beach since he was a little boy.

Over the years, he has seen the village's coastline slowly disappear as more and more bouts of erosion claim more of the Marrams.

For the past four years, Mr Peacher has become increasingly concerned about the use of blue plastic barrels and plastic-covered metal netting on the cliffs, fearing they could harm marine life if they enter the sea.

Plastic barrels and the plastic-covered wire netting on the edge of the Marrams, Hemsby. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

He has endeavoured to clean the beach during his weekly visits from his Broadland village home, claiming to have removed more than 20,000 pieces of plastic from the hundreds of barrels and dozens of metres of netting in four years.

Landowners, the Geoffrey Watling Charity installed the plastic items in 2018 to deter cliff walkers and 'catch' sand.

The charity said they maintain the area regularly and clear any plastic debris before it has the chance to enter the sea.

Christopher Peacher clearing old rope off of Hemsby beach. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Mr Peacher said: "This situation has made me so despondent. I just want it to be better.

"The barrels have been on the Marrams so long, the plastic is starting to break up. 

"I have seen barrels tumble down the cliffs and just lay on the beach. Some have been emptied and used for dog mess or rubbish.

"During high tide, the sea can drag the barrels into the sea and more plastic enters our waters putting marine life at risk.

"And the netting is much worse."

Plastic-covered wire netting has come apart on the Marrams in Hemsby. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Mr Peacher said the green plastic-coated wire nets are especially hazardous as they are only secured in the cliffs by an 18-inch piece of wood, and the netting acts as a sail in strong winds.

On Wednesday, there were two parts of mangled nets on the beach, with much of the plastic coating gone.

Plastic-covered wire netting on Hemsby beach. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"Somebody’s responsible for this, but it sure as hell isn’t me," he said.

"I would just like to see somebody actually manage the Marrams. It's not a hardship."

Blue plastic barrels line the road of the Marrams, Hemsby. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

A spokesperson for the Marrams' landowners, the Geoffrey Watling Charity, said: "We are well aware of this.

"None of the blue barrels have entered the sea and we clear them up if they become unstable.

"We also regularly monitor the area and clear up any debris."

The spokesperson added that the charity has a good rapport with services and individuals in the village and is informed if any of the barrels or netting comes loose.