Last weekend a small team of local climbers and BMC volunteers abseiled into Huntsman’s Leap to begin removing some of the huge amount of rubbish accumulated after a recent incident at sea.

In May a container ship spilled some of its load overboard during a storm, and incredibly a container (and a large number of washing machines) was forced through the narrow seaward entrance of ‘South Pembroke’s Best Crag’, where the unsightly detritus has resided ever since. As these photos illustrate, a considerable amount of rusting metal, washing machine drums, insulating foam, and fridges are jammed into the back of the Leap and really detracting from the experience of climbing in this very special place. And let’s not forget this is also Heritage Coastline, a Special Protection area, and a Special Area for Conservation. The local Council, the MoD, and the National Park Authority are all aware of the issue, but it appears the cost of cleaning up the mess is subject to an insurance claim by the shipping company – which could take months to finalise. So, frustrated by the lack of progress the BMC stepped in. Local access rep. Dee de Mengel organised a team of volunteers to begin hauling the smaller pieces out, and after a day’s hard graft the pile has reduced in size. Now it's up to the authorities to make good on their promise to help the climbing community and the environment by organising the removal of the large pieces. The BMC will probably be organising another clean-up day soon – so watch this space if you want to get involved. Many thanks go to Dee and Pippa de Mengel, Alun Richardson, Steve Quinton, Craig Folder, and Ian Meopham.

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