Forth Ports is joining forces with environmental charity Balanced Horizon to help deliver the largest ever clean up of the Firth of Forth later this month.

The Big Forth Cleanup, which takes place from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, will be a large-scale, community driven weekend of beach cleaning and juvenile lobster releases organised by Balanced Horizon in collaboration with Forth Ports.

The goal of the event, which is open to all ages, is to clean as much of the coastline of the Firth of Forth over the course of the weekend.

Pollution and litter are major problems facing this iconic waterway, with vulnerable and important wildlife species calling this environment home.

This wee fella looks like he wants to help out in any way he can during the big clean up (Picture: Michael Gillen, National World)

placeholder image — This wee fella looks like he wants to help out in any way he can during the big clean up (Picture: Michael Gillen, National World)

Balanced Horizon wants to clean the Forth up not only to protect these ecosystems, but also for everybody to enjoy the magnificent beaches and coastlines this part of the world has to offer.

Katy Reid, group head of sustainability at Forth Ports, said: “This coastline is central to Forth Ports’ Scottish operations and plays a vital role in supporting the economy, local communities and the rich diversity of wildlife found both on land and at sea.

"Bringing people together to take action at scale will make a meaningful difference in caring for and preserving the coastline and local environment. We invite everyone to get involved and be part of something that can have a lasting impact on the Forth.”

Participants can choose a beach to clean along the coast of the Firth of Forth with the help of Balanced Horizon’s online interactive map, which shows beach

cleanse taking place, helping participants target areas close to them, or identify areas in need of attention.

People can join groups like the Scottish Seabird Centre, CLP Nature Action, and Coast to Coast Surf School to clean up the shores.

“We're proud to be partnering with Forth Ports,” said Balanced Horizon’s Kerrie Flockhart. “As well as removing litter, we want to shine a spotlight on the many community groups and individuals who already dedicate their time to caring for our shores.

"We hope this event will help connect more people with those local efforts, inspire new volunteers, and create a lasting network of people working together to protect the Firth of Forth for years to come.”

People can e-mail [email protected] for more information.