Seaside Explorers encourage green-effort on Dovercourt beach

Libby Scarfe runs Seaside Explorers, a popular initiative for green-minded families to get together to protect beaches in the area.

Her activity sessions on Dovercourt beach have proved popular, with families flocking to the shores after parent and child groups were given the green light from last Monday.

The 45-year-old wants to raise awareness about just how crucial work like this is.

She said: “Beach cleaning is really important and people have been brilliant so far.

“You never get anyone complaining, saying they don’t want to do something, they love it and feel like they’re doing something to help. Young people love doing that - it’s brilliant.

Libby's 10-year-old daughter, Audrey, gets stuck in

“They all do the wiggly yoga I get them to do which is a bonus, even the dads get wiggling and jiggling about because they want to be involved with their children – plus I’m really bossy.

“It has been a big community effort with a lot of people getting involved, and it’s been really lovely and hopefully we can continue to inspire people to do a bit more independently.”

There’s more to it than beach cleans and yoga, however, as Mrs Scarfe seeks to highlight other issues.

She added: “I’m trying to teach people about plastic, about damaging habitats. It’s vital to teach children about consumption as well, where your fish has come from and how it’s been fished.

“There’s some really aggressive, vicious fishing happening out at sea which is so damaging.

Libby, left, during a beach clean

“Every person on the last beach clean came back with a bit of wire, netting or rope all which has been discarded from vessels, it’s another area we really need to work on – what goes on at sea.

“I think our community is the best place where we have to educate children, not overfishing, not polluting, not overusing plastic.

“I was talking to a fisherman in the harbour about how he operates and he said the local fishermen do take care of our area, they go out catch what they need and bring their rubbish home.

“Supporting local fishermen is so important. They know how to behave and look after the environment as it’s their area, it’s their livelihood.

“The issue is the massive trawlers who sweep up everything in their wake and leave everyone else to deal with the damage, it washes up on the beach.

“Our guys are good caretakers of our area and so it’s good to shop local at their fish stalls and to support them as they’re the ones doing the responsible fishing.”

To get involved visit Seaside Explorers’ Facebook page.