The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards final took place at Whisby Education Centre on 27 September, where Sutton-on-Sea Beachcare, Humber Wild and the Together Initiative presented their inspiring projects. Sutton-on-Sea Beachcare was named overall winner, with judges praising the group’s growing reach and dedication to highlighting marine wildlife.

Founded in 2016 by Lianne and Jordan Havell, Sutton-on-Sea Beachcare began as a small effort to tackle litter but has grown into a thriving community initiative. Volunteers of all ages join regular beach cleans – often more than 40 people at a time – including Duke of Edinburgh participants, school groups and visiting tourists.

Over nine years, the group has collected more than 8,000 bags of rubbish. In 2025 alone, they have already filled 771 bags following extra debris from the March tanker collision, including melted plastic nurdles. Each clean is followed by detailed recording and reporting to the authorities, adding a major administrative task to the effort.

Volunteers also log archaeological finds and stranded marine mammals for national organisations, with recent discoveries including timber from a 19th-century shipwreck.

Their campaigns have led to new fishing-line recycling points and a local drive to stop sales of flying rings, which can fatally injure seals.

On receiving the award, Jordan Havell said he was “gobsmacked and surprised,” while his mother Lianne added: “This is something very special — recognition for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”