Another BHASSEXPLORE #greensockmovement Extreme Coastal Clearance Weekend is being held on the 12th and 13th of March on the 'sea defence' boulders beneath the cliffs and under cliff walk between Brighton marina and Ovingdean...
There are many many tonnes of decaying plastic and synthetic materials trapped on and within these large granite boulders, and they are very difficult to remove... We use sharp serrated knives and hack saws and other cutting tools to release these ropes and ghost nets and lobster pots and other marine debris, and then we permanently remove them from the marine environment.... displaying the fruits of our labours up on the under cliff walk to show just what is in our seas! These nasty harmful materials have been accumulating on this 2km stretch of coastline for the past 35 years, since the 'sea defences' where completely rebuilt to prevent further coastal erosion ..... but their design is a total plastic magnet, and these materials get trapped there, and then slowly break down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually re-entering the sea to cause harm to and endanger marine life and birds for hundreds if not thousands of years to come.... BHASSEXPLORE ..... the Beachy Head and Seven Sisters Extreme Plastic Objects Removal project..... was formed 2 years ago to remove tonnes of these materials from beneath the cliffs of Beachy Head and the incredible 6 mile stretch of coastline between Eastbourne and Cuckmere Haven, and has, in that time, removed almost 22 tonnes from very challenging locations..... including 2 tonnes from these 'sea defence' boulders near Brighton marina.Come and help us remove another tonne this time! All are welcome to join us and help in any capacity.... nimble people who are confident on the rocks and handy with sharp tools can clamber over the granite boulders and find materials to cut and release.... those who enjoy pot holing and caving can get in amoungst the huge rocks to recover all manner of objects..... what we find and release will amaze you.... others can help by bagging and carrying the recovered materials to the gathering place and help with the sorting of various recycling and repurposing categories in readiness for them to be taken away.... others can photograph and document our efforts and our finds... it really is quite shocking just what we find.... some materials can be repurposed or used for 'art from trash' projects.... artists and makers are welcome to come and play or select anything they want.... it is difficult and dangerous work, in a tricky and challenging location, so great care must be taken at all times and it is important to work in pairs or small groups and all look out for eachother and support and help everyone and all work TOGETHER to permanently remove tonnes of plastic trash and synthetic materials as safely as we possibly can.... it is very rewarding and totally voluntary and entirely done at our own risk.... the tide will be going out all day on both days and BHASSEXPLORE #greensockmovement volunteers will set up on the slipway nearest the Ovingdean cafe and cliff steps.... we will be there from 8.ooam Saturday and 9.ooam Sunday until sunset on both days.... all we need is good weather and good people with positive energy and we can all work TOGETHER to make a difference and to show exactly what we are putting into our seas! For more information please visit bhassexplore.com or view our Facebook page or visit @bhass_explore on Instagram .... many thanks and hopefully see you there.... bring a sharp serrated edged knife and a strong gathering bag.... anyone can join us either day, all day, both days.... or for an hour or two.... or just come by and say hello.... many thanks.... there is enough to do for a hundred people or more on this 2km stretch of coastline and shingle beaches to clear too at either end!