30 Jul 2026
Northumberland Coast National Landscape team
Our Northumberland Coast Conservation Team volunteers have today been mobilised to support efforts to survey and collect plastic pellets, known as nurdles, from beaches at Warkworth, Alnmouth, Seaton Point and Boulmer.
Nurdles are tiny plastic pellets used in the manufacture of everyday plastic products. Following a recent incident at the Port of Tyne, additional nurdles have been reported washing up along parts of the Northumberland coastline. While not toxic to people, they can pose a serious risk to wildlife if ingested and are extremely difficult to remove once they become buried in the sand.
Working alongside partner organisations, our volunteers are helping to assess the extent of the issue across the Northumberland coast while collecting any nurdles they find.
The good news is that, so far, only a small number of nurdles have been found in the areas surveyed. However, tides, winds and weather conditions mean the situation can change quickly, so continued monitoring remains essential.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers who have stepped forward to support this important work. Their efforts are helping to protect our internationally important coastline and the wildlife that depends on it.
Advice for anyone helping over the weekend
Northumberland County Council has issued the following advice for anyone considering taking part in clean-up efforts:
Check tide times and only work in areas that can be accessed safely.
Wear gloves and sturdy footwear.
Keep clear of contractor vehicles, machinery and marked work areas.
Avoid walking over areas where nurdles have accumulated, as this can push them deeper into the sand.
Take collected nurdles to designated drop-off points and clean footwear and equipment before leaving the beach.
If you discover a large concentration of nurdles, please report it through Northumberland County Council’s Fix My Street app rather than attempting to clear it yourself. This will help ensure the affected area can be assessed and prioritised appropriately.
For the latest information and updates on the response, please visit:
Plastic pellets (nurdles) on county's beaches (updated July 30th) | Northumberland County Council
