Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Open Country

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

BBC Radio 4 FM

Open Country: Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners

Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners

Richard Uridge explores the Pembrokeshire coast around Skomer island from the bottom up.

Richard Uridge visits Skomer Island and joins Neptune's Army, a group of divers who voluntarily clear the Pembrokeshire seabed. He hears how Skomer relies on volunteer wardens too.

The 'Big Society' is alive and well in Pembrokeshire conservation. As grants are cut more organisations rely on volunteers to help keep our rarest habitats thriving and Skomer Island is no exception. Neptunes Army of Rubbish Cleaners are a group of divers who give up their time to keep the Pembrokeshire coastline clean. Manmade debris at the bottom of the sea can affect marine life and their work removing fishing tackle and other litter helps to keep the sea healthy.

This is vital work when you have such rare habitat as Skomer Island to protect. Here there are guillemots, razorbills and puffins who rely on the sea for food. Skomer also uses volunteers. Assistant wardens spend a week at the time helping with the running of the island and conservation work such as surveying. In the future many more volunteers may be needed to help preserve wildlife and ecosystems.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Open Country

Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4