FISH made from discarded spades and multi-coloured whale tails created from unwanted flip flops are just of the some imaginative ways in which beach litter has been turned into thought-provoking art.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is planning to create some stunning sea sculptures from the debris found on our coastline and the public can play a key role, by joining in one of their beach clean events.
Four Sunday beach cleans will be held between now and the end of November.
Once the litter has been collected, cleaned and sorted, a local artist will work with community groups to transform it from unwanted waste into dramatic sculptures of sea creatures, such as seals, jellyfish or even an octopus.
The final artworks will be on public display at exhibitions in Barrow and Kendal in January.
The idea behind The Waste Beneath our Waves project is to make people aware of how litter left in the sea and on beaches can adversely affect our marine wildlife.
Amy Hopley from Cumbria Wildlife Trust explains: "Litter causes problems for many animal species that mistake it for food or get trapped in it, for example fishing floats and weights can get caught in their throats.
"Seals have been seen to swim head first into clear plastic bags and be hit at high tide by plastic bottles.
"I wanted people to become aware of these issues but rather than depressing them, I wanted to create an engaging project that will make them think, while hopefully having lots of fun.
"We have commissioned an amazing local environmental artist, Ellie Chaney , whose work is inspired by nature, to help us create the dramatic sculptures.
"Everyone is welcome to take part in the beach cleans – just get in touch to sign up first. All beach cleaners will receive a special invitation to the final exhibition as a thank you for their hard work."
To take part in a beach clean, visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on
Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
The dates for the beach cleans are:
Sunday October 23: Foulney Island, 10-12pm
Sunday October 30: South Walney Nature Reserve, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Sunday November 13: South Walney Nature Reserve, 1:30 – 3:30pm
Sunday November 27: South Walney Nature Reserve, 1:30 – 3:30pm
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