HELPING TO CLEAN UP OUR COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE
Today I was back at Porlock Weir for another beach clean and was fortunate enough to meet up with Roy Beal who is Kayaking all the way from John O'Groats to Lands End. He left Brean on this morning's tide and arrived at Porlock Weir on low tide so it was luck I was there to help him carry his belongings and more importantly his kayak up the beach so that it didn't get damaged. After a pint in The Bottom Ship, I interviewed Roy about his adventure on Day 48.
So Roy, congratulations on getting this far! What made you decide to take part in this challenge? Mainly to raise awareness that littering, especially plastics can have in the marine environment. When did you start planning this trip? The idea first came to me around two years ago and initially, I was going to start at Lands End to John O'Groats but the pandemic occurred so earlier this year once Covid restrictions started lifting, I decided to do John O'Groats to Lands End instead and be a bit different. You're doing this for charity I understand. Which charities are they? Yes, I'm doing this for two charities which are 'Keep Britain Tidy' for the litter, plastics and environment side of things but I'm also supporting paddle sport safety and safety on the water so I'm raising money for 'Plan B' charity as well. So where can people find out more about this? If you go to www.kayakingforcharity.co.uk that also has the links for the donation pages and also links for social media. So Roy, tell me the route you've been on. So from John 'O'Groats, I paddled down the east coast of Scotland to Inverness, down through the Caledonian Canal, through the Inner Hebrides, across the Crinan Canal and the rest of Scotland to England, down the Irish Sea until I reached the River Dee and headed to Chester and took the canal network and River Severn to Sharpness and then down the Bristol Channel. What is the best part or highlight of your trip so far? The first thing that comes to mind is on the second day when a pod of dolphins came and swam next to me and stayed with me for about three minutes before they disappeared which was amazing. I got to see my first Puffin, a beautiful little bird and along the way I've met everything from beautiful seals and other wildlife to the amazing people who have been generous and supportive along the way. What about the worst part? When I got caught at low tide on some sandbanks and I couldn't find a way through and ended up having to back track a couple of miles through surf, wind, rain and fog which is probably one of the lowest points and hardest parts. The sandbanks were around ten feet high and I just couldn't see where I was going. So, what about litter and plastics. Have you seen much of that on your journey? Yes, unfortunately I've seen a lot of that and some beaches having a quite lot of plastic just washed up and I've not been able to remove it as I've only got a kayak which is fully loaded. I've found quite a lot of stuff in the water. Balloons have been the main thing I've noticed as well as tennis balls which presumably are dog owners throwing them in. Also crisp packets sweet wrappers and food packaging. So, you're leaving Porlock Weir tomorrow morning about 9? Yes, about 9 o'clock on the tide. Well, good luck on the rest of your journey Roy. Just let us know your social media details before we go. On Facebook it's Kayaking For Charity which is all on the website kayakingforcharity.co.uk and if you're an Instagammer you can look for Top Down Kayak Challenge. Well thanks Roy, it's been lovely talking and again, the best of luck. END.
1 Comment
Howard Plant
7/13/2021 12:28:30 am
Thank you for doing your best to keep this beautiful part of the world looking as it should. I will never understand the mentality of those people who seem to find it acceptable to leave their rubbish behind.
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AuthorBorn in West Somerset, I have always been proud of where I live and want everyone else to enjoy it too! Archives
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