Coastal Crabby

What is Crabby?

The Coastal Crabby Project is a bold, behaviourally informed initiative within the Look Out for Our Forest campaign – bringing our successful anti‑littering approach to the coastline. Since launching in 2021, it’s placed free litter‑bag dispensers at busy beach sites like Barton‑on‑Sea, Milford‑on‑Sea, and Calshot, showing visitors how simple actions can make a big difference.

Why It Matters

Reducing Litter, Protecting Wildlife
Overflowing bins often lead to wildlife shredding bags and spreading litter. Crabby encourages visitors to carry their litter home, reducing “animal strikes” (where foxes, seagulls and other creatures rip into the unprotected bags) and protecting our coastal ecosystems.

Real Results
Where litter bags are available, coastal litter has dropped by 19% in 2021, 17% in 2022 and 50% in 2025 – without adding more bins or infrastructure.

Simple Actions
It puts responsibility back in the hands of beachgoers: take a free bag, use it, and dispose of your litter at home. No extra bins, no extra cost – just one small step with big results.

Look Out For Our Forests | Why It Matters
Look Out For Our Forest | HOW IT WORKS

How It Works

  1. Bag dispensers are installed at high-traffic sites adjacent to bins.
  2. Visitors are invited to grab a free bag and use it for all their beach litter.
  3. Finished? They’re encouraged to dispose of it responsibly at home or in main bins – keeping wildlife safe and beaches clean.

Bins may fill quickly – on busy summer days they’re emptied twice daily – yet bagging shifts litter away from wildlife and overflowing bins or “polite littering”. And that’s why this simple nudge works.

Why The Coastal Crabby Project Works

  • Minimal change, major results: No need for extra bins, staffing, or expense – simplicity is key.
  • Reduces harm: Protects wildlife from litter and reduces visual pollution.
  • Encourages shared responsibility: Promotes a collective “pro‑New Forest” mindset where looking after nature is everyone’s job.

Connecting with Look Out for Our Forest

The Coastal Crabby Project is part of the Look Out for Our Forest campaign, which blends local pride, social norms, and perceived community oversight to reduce litter across forest and coast

    Join the Movement

    Next time you’re at Barton‑on‑Sea, Milford‑on‑Sea, or Calshot, look out for a dispenser and be a Coastal Champion! Help us keep coastal landscapes litter-free and inspire others to do the same.

    Together, we’ll strengthen the spirit of Look Out for Our Forest across our land and sea.

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