Leave Only Footprints mural at Sandsfoot Beach

A dull concrete block at Sandsfoot beach has been brightened up thanks to a striking new mural which aims to remind visitors they should look after the area and not leave their rubbish.

The mural was designed and produced by Weymouth-based Dead Walk Designs and commissioned by Litter Free Dorset and the Castle Cove Sailing Club.

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The design adorns a concrete block that caps a surface water outflow pipe into Portland Harbour, which links to another Litter Free Dorset project being undertaken in the local area to raise awareness that roadside drains are surface water drains that lead to the sea.

Stuart Beckingham from the Litter Free Dorset community campaign said: “These wonderful beaches are cherished by the community and visitors alike. We wanted to emphasise this shared pride of place by creating something that reflects how people enjoy the beach, whilst encouraging everyone to take care of this special spot."

Grace Martin, Rear Commodore (shore) from Castle Cove Sailing Club added: "This dull concrete block is now a bright and cheerful addition to the beach, with an important message to keep it clean and tidy. Everyone that has seen it has commented how fantastic it looks.”

Shaun Davies of Dead Walk Designs said it had been 'an absolute pleasure' to create the mural and promote a positive message.

Litter Free Dorset says not only does litter impact how our beaches look and feel, it contributes to the accumulation of plastic pollution in the marine environment, harms our wildlife, and impacts the quality of our bathing waters.

Littered items, such as cigarette butts, contain toxins that are released into the marine environment as they break down. Other sources of pollution such as bacteria found in faecal matter can also affect bathing water quality, impacting both water users and local businesses such as the nearby mussel and seaweed farm that operates in the harbour.