During August North Devon’s actions to combat plastic pollution were broadcast nationally on the BBC Countryfile Diaries. John Craven introduced the feature explaining that there are 51 trillion microscopic pieces of plastic all over the UK and the battle is on to clean up our beaches.
Filming in Croyde, the Countryfile presenters followed a number of people and organisations who are taking positive steps to fight the influx of plastic, particularly during peak summer months. Perhaps one of the most shocking moments is when regional Surfers against sewage (SAS) and Plastic Free North Devon representatives Claire Moodie and James Szymankiewicz are collecting debris from a hard-to-reach alcove. Whilst cleaning, they discover a dead seagull and, upon further inspection, find small pieces of plastic inside its body.
‘Finding plastic in the seagull was a really sad moment - this isn’t an albatross chick on a distant island but here in Devon – the place I call home. It localises the problem and makes me feel even more committed to solving it - I hope it has the same effect on viewers.’ Claire Moodie,SAS Regional representative/ PFND
The scale and urgency of the plastic problem was bought into sharp focus and the need for action clearly apparent. The programme highlighted a number of positive steps people and organisations in North Devon are taking to combat the issue: 2 minute beach cleans are being actively promoted to tourists; Ranger Rose from Ruda holiday park is shown taking children on coastal safaris explaining ‘if these kids learn to love wildlife they’ll want to protect it in the future’; local businesses such as The Thatch Pub in Croyde, have joined the national plastic free communities movement like many others and highlight how they have swapped plastic-wrapped condiment for glass; and large sifters are separating sand from micro plastics and other debris in an effort to reduce the impact they are having on our wildlife.
‘Our message is positive and empowers our visiting tourists to be part of the solution. I think the program showcases North Devon whilst at the same time demonstrating to visitors how responsible behaviour can help maintain and improve our beautiful environment.’ Dr James Szymankiewicz, Chair Plastic Free North Devon/Regional Representative SAS.
The feature is shown on Episode 3 of the Countryfile Summer Diaries currently available on iplayer.
For information on what you can do to help reduce plastic pollution either as a business or individual, follow Plastic Free North Devon on social media and subscribe to the newsletter
www.plasticfreenorthdevon.org. They want to encourage and facilitate as many towns and villages in the area to join the national SAS plastic free communities campaign and they encourage anyone looking to get involved to get in touch;
plasticfreenorthdevon@gmail.com.
For more information on the SAS campaign and how to sign up to become a community leader please visit
https://www.sas.org.uk/lead-a-community/
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