Colleagues from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have helped clean up Boscombe Beach as part of the Distribution Network Operator’s volunteering scheme.
Their initiative supported the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch programme and was a gesture to give back to the Boscombe community, aligning with SSEN’s £12 million re-cabling and upgrade programme.
The five-strong team of colleagues from the Procurement and Commercial department, surveyed a 100-metre stretch using apps or paper surveys to collect litter data for the Marine Conservation Society. This data is crucial for identifying trends in marine debris and supporting international scientific research and campaigns for positive environmental change.
During the clean, they gathered numerous items, including a plastic toy fish, over 200 cigarette butts and more than 400 plastic particles.
Steph Lowe, Procurement and Commercial Manager said:
“We expected to find large pieces of plastic, ropes, and fishing nets. However, it wasn’t until we looked closely that we saw how much microplastic and rubbish were hidden on the beach.
“We collected and recorded over 400 tiny plastic fragments - less than 1cm in size - for the Marine Conservation Society to use in their data trending.”
Steph continued:
“This was a great team effort and through initiatives like the Beachwatch programme and beach cleans, we are doing our bit to help rid the natural environment of harmful litter.”
Michael Deans, Senior Project Manager for the works added:
“I’m very proud to see our Procurement and Commercial colleagues getting out into the community to give back and volunteer for an important cause.
“As a company committed to environmental sustainability, we believe it’s essential to take action to protect our natural resources. As our Boscombe Network Improvement programme progresses, we look forward to using more of our ‘Be the Difference’ volunteer days to give back to the community we’re working in.”
By participating in this event, SSEN not only helped clean up local beaches but also engaged with the community. These efforts reflect SSEN’s commitment to being a good neighbour and giving back to the areas where they operate. Initiatives like the Beachwatch programme foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship, reinforcing SSEN’s dedication to sustainability and social responsibility.
SSEN is currently investing £12 million to make the electricity network for homes and businesses in the Boscombe, Christchurch, and Bournemouth area more resilient and flexible, supporting this coastal community’s move towards net zero.
Starting on 30 September 2024 and running until 2026, the multi-million-pound upgrade will future-proof the local electricity network for almost 200,000 customers. Older infrastructure will be replaced with more modern and efficient equipment to better serve the needs of residents, business owners, and visitors to the area.
Find out more by visiting www.ssen.co.uk/Boscombe