'The Wave / high-time for a turn of the tide'

Salvaged washed-up beach litter, second-use plastic sheeting, fabric, polystyrene, zimmer frames, fencing and wire.
Made by Children at the Breakfast and After School club (Gatehouse Primary Extended School), with Environmental Artist Lauren Ballard.
Sponsored by Graham Price, Teignbridge Councillor.

The results of the most recent UK Beachwatch survey led by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) revealed that the amount of litter on our beaches and in the sea is the highest it has ever been.

The litter was collected along the length of TRAIL coastline - from Dawlish Warren to Shaldon.
Many of the things we find have travelled far, swept up from other beaches, flushed down toilets, and carried on the wind to the sea.
There is the rubbish that people leave behind, also car parts, computer parts, construction site debris, broken items from ships and fishing litter.

The beaches, rivers and oceans are a dumping ground it seems; people give little or no thought to how marine habitats are affected.

Cleaning up the litter is a very important aspect of the work: each time doing a little bit of what is an enormous task. Yet most important is the work's message: encouraging people to take responsibility - to help to keep our beaches clean, and to prevent land litter from entering the sea.

Plastic is a deadly threat to sealife and to us, as toxic particles enter the foodchain.
We can all help by choosing to use less plastic packaging, using biodegradable and re-usable alternatives, such as long-life shopping bags, and drinks flasks.
Please remember to take any rubbish away with you leave the beach.