HWRCs and Environment Agency join forces to support seagrass monitoring

Demonstrating the value of reuse, discarded bodyboards have been diverted from disposal and repurposed to support environmental fieldwork. The boards are now used during surveys on inter-tidal mudflats, providing a practical solution in areas where soft mud can make access difficult.

Paul Elsmere, Environmental Monitoring Officer, said: "The repurposed boards provide a perfect stable surface for researchers to rest on, transport equipment and help manoeuvre through challenging conditions. Thinking of the environment we approached SUEZ to see if they could help with any discarded boards. We’ve shared details with other Environment Agency teams who hope to do the same for the work they are carrying out there."

The information collected plays an important role in assessing the ecological status of our estuaries and helps inform the management and protection of these valuable coastal environments.

Seagrass beds are vital marine habitats that support biodiversity, improve water quality, and store carbon. This partnership demonstrates how reuse initiatives can contribute to wider environmental benefits, turning unwanted items into valuable tools that directly support environmental monitoring and conservation work.

This collaboration is a great example of organisations working together to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and support projects that help protect Devon's natural environment for future generations.