Bodyboards rescued from disposal help scientists protect Devon’s seagrass habitats

Old bodyboards collected at recycling centres are helping the Environment Agency protect some of the county’s most important coastal habitats.

The boards, collected by Devon County Council's staff at their Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), are now being used during surveys on intertidal mudflats. They provide a practical way for researchers to move equipment and work in areas where soft mud can make access difficult.

Seagrass meadows are among the UK’s most valuable coastal habitats, providing shelter, breeding grounds and feeding areas for a wide range of marine species. They also help stabilise seabed sediments and reduce coastal erosion.

The surveys help improve our understanding of the health of Devon’s estuaries and provide vital information to support their long-term protection.

The project brings together our waste service, SUEZ, who manage our recycling centres, and the Environment Agency to turn unwanted items into practical tools for conservation work. The initiative highlights how simple reuse projects can reduce waste while supporting practical conservation work across Devon.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “Seagrass meadows are a vital part of Devon’s coastal environment, which is why this monitoring work is so important.

"By working together, we’ve found a simple way to reduce waste and keep costs down while supporting research that will help protect these habitats for years to come. It’s a brilliant example of the circular economy in action.”

Paul Elsmere, Environment Agency 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 Devon County Council’s HWRC operator 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.”

Find out more about Devon’s Household Waste Recycling Centres and the range of items that can be reused and recycled at: www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling.

For more information about seagrass habitats and the role they play in supporting wildlife, improving water quality and storing carbon, visit the Environment Agency website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.