National Trust speaks out over litter at Co Antrim beauty spot

The National Trust says staff are under "pressure" over the amount of rubbish being discarded along a scenic stretch of the east Antrim coastline.
The beach at Brown's Bay in 2018.The beach at Brown's Bay in 2018.
The beach at Brown's Bay in 2018.

The environmental and heritage organisation was commenting following recent reports of anti-social behaviour, including littering, graffiti and noise pollution, at Brown's Bay.

Appealing for the local community to help keep the borough tidy was Mid and East Antrim councillor, Gregg McKeen. “It is so disappointing to hear reports that a very small minority of people have been involved in anti-social behaviour," the Larne Lough representative said.

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“This is particularly disheartening for so many across our community who have gone above and beyond to help the vulnerable during this time.

Cllr Gregg McKeen.Cllr Gregg McKeen.
Cllr Gregg McKeen.

“We have been informed that issues such as littering, graffiti and noise pollution are making life very difficult for those affected, and I would urge anyone involved in this activity to think of others. I encourage the people behind these incidents to please respect your neighbours and your borough.

“Thank you to each and every person who has stepped up to help others. Your efforts are deserving of praise and will be even more important as we work towards the so-called new normal post Covid-19.

Council will continue to work closely with the PSNI to address these issues and I would encourage anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their community to share that with police.”

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The issue is of particular concern aroiund the headland walk in the area, Cllr McKeen added. "I spoke with the National Trust, who own land, to see what can be done."

In a statement, the National Trust confirmed it had noted an increase in numbers visiting outdoor spaces in its care.

"We recognise that people really value access to their coastline, and the lockdown restrictions have emphasised the importance of access to nature and countryside for our wellbeing," a spokesperson for the organisation said.

"As lockdown restrictions eased, we used our communication channels to request the public to avoid travelling to local hot spots, leave no trace and take their rubbish home with them. We also have signs in place at Skernaghan Point on the headland beside Brown’s Bay, informing visitors that camping and fire lighting is not permitted.

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"Dropping litter and lighting barbecues puts extra pressure on our staff and local authorities at a time when resources are stretched.

"In recent weeks we have seen a huge increase in the number of people visiting the outdoor places in our care. While the majority of walkers respect the countryside code, the anti-social behaviour shown by a few is a concern and the litter left in the aftermath of these gatherings is far beyond what our resources can cope with.

"Brown’s Bay, and indeed the entire coastal path, is vitally important for wildlife and nature and deserves our protection. Mass gatherings, barbecues and litter can cause a serious threat to the plants and animals our team work so hard to protect.

"We are very grateful to members of the local community who often lift litter and report problems to the PSNI. As a conservation charity, our ranger team look after a vast area of outdoor space and are not always on site to address the problems firsthand.

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"Our outdoor teams are working incredibly hard to keep our places open, safe and clean - but we need everyone's help to keep them that way and we will continue to work with local communities and wider partner bodies to keep places like Brown’s Bay clean for everyone to enjoy."

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