Earth Day 2022

Today is Earth Day, and although we are strong believers that we should be looking after our planet each and every day this is a great opportunity to highlight the impact of climate change and refocus our efforts on what we as a boating community can do to make a difference.

This year the theme for Earth Day is ‘invest in our planet’ which focuses on taking collective responsibility to make a difference. As part of our environmental initiative Coastline Deadline we have already started making positive changes across our marinas (and beyond) with the help of some incredible partners. Here are just some of the things we have been working on over the past year...

 Supporting the coastal cleaning efforts of the Clean Jurassic Coast

Our Portland Marina team have joined forces with Dorset eco-warriors at Clean Jurassic Coast with joint beach cleans, fundraising activities and the provision of an engine to help their boat get to those hard to reach coastal areas most in need of a clean.  Read more about this here.  

Working with Mott MacDonald to install a Seabin at Penarth Marina

The Seabin installed within the Cardiff Bay Barrage floats up and down with the tides collecting floating plastic and debris. So far the Seabin is proving highly effective in collecting floating debris. You can read more about the project here.

Working with The Seahorse Trust to protect the Seagrass at Studland Bay

This designated marine conservation zone is a hotspot for boaters, but often at the detriment to the seagrass meadows which lie below due to anchoring. To protect this area and provide a safe habitat for the native Spiny Seahorse 10 eco-mooring were installed. These eco-moorings are free to use for boaters and do not scour the seabed in the same way as traditional anchoring. Learn more about the project here.

Helping establish the first Native Oyster Nursery in Northern Ireland in partnership with Ulster Wildlife Trust

Bangor Marina has now become the second boatfolk marina to install Oyster nurseries under its pontoons. With the ability to filter around 200 litres of sea water a day these oysters will help clean the seas and boost biodiversity in the Bangor Bay area.  Learn more about the project here. 

Working with Portsmouth University and the Seahorse Trust to make a home for seahorses at Haslar Marina

The biohuts installed under the pontoons in Portsmouth Harbour provide a home for the native Short Snouted Seahorse and other species. On top of this, these biohuts are facilitating research by Marina Sciences students which looks at coastal biodiversity and the creation of safe habitats. Find out more about this work here.

Joining the TYHA Clean Marina Programme

In September 2021 three of our marinas (Haslar, Portland and Portishead) were proudly awarded the first three Clean Marina accreditations in the UK by The Yacht Harbour Association. This accreditation focuses on important elements in the industry such as blackwater capture, spill prevention and plastic pollution and have not only acted as a platform for identifying improvements within boatfolk, but for sharing best practice with others in the industry. Find out more here.

What next?

We're always working hard to make positive changes within our industry and beyond. You can find out more about the work we're doing, as well as positive changes you can make by visiting www.coastlinedeadline.co.uk.

If you have an projects you think we should be supporting or suggestions of how we can continue making positive changes we'd love to hear from you. Simply send us an email on  info@boatfolk.co.uk.