Newbiggin RNLI Autumn environmental clean and beach safety success.

Lyne Sands south, is located two miles north of Newbiggin RNLI, an area popular area for walkers and beach users particularly as it is part of the Northumberland Coast Path. For years the beach was blighted with a past age of industrial debris that created hazards for the users and in certain cases, their pets. Floating debris entering the sea from the beach also created hazards for our volunteer lifeboat crew operating in the area.

The project date was selected in conjunction with safe tidal access and a clean up day at the neighbouring Lynemouth Power Plant. Around 15 volunteers took part in the event along with some employees from the Power Plant.

The morning’s debris extraction built upon the successes of last year's clean up by delivering a safer environment for beach users as part of the RNLI Water Safety aims and achieving a major clean up at the same time.

Along with RNLI volunteers and staff, others came from Lynemouth Power, Newbiggin Litter Pickers, Newbiggin Freeholders, Crow’s Nest Group, Lynemouth Community group, Newbiggin residents and Newbiggin Golf Club.

Over 70 bags of rubbish were removed from the beach along with numerous bulky items including wagon and car tyres, conveyor belting, cable sleeving, plastic pipes and sheeting, carpets and abandoned fishing ropes and pots which equated to 1.5 tons of debris.

Thanks, in particular to Newbiggin Golf Club who provided transport to remove the debris at various deposition points We are also grateful for the support of Lynemouth Power who not only disposed of the debris but provided refreshments for the volunteers. Plans are in hand for another clean up morning during March 2027.Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland.

The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon. This year, 2026, is our 175th year of saving lives at sea, an anniversary where we reflect on the incredible dedication of our volunteers, past and present and the incredible support we receive from our community and beyond - all of this has made our 175 year journey possible.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Richard Martin, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.