Eastbourne environment group: ‘Rubbish is everywhere on our coastline’

BHASSEXPLORE is a non-profit organisation that works to clean up the coastlines between Eastbourne and the Cuckmere Haven.

The coastline has seen 50 years of plastic, synthetic material and rubbish build up. Last year the group collected seven tonnes of waste as a result.

The rubbish is pushed in by the tides and left in the cliff bases where it can damage the environment and the surrounding wildlife for hundreds of years.

BHASSEXPLORE was set up last year when Norman Penney moved to the area. In March he did a clean up on Cow Gap and set up the organisation in May after seeing saw how the build up of rubbish was spread right along the coastline.

Norman said, “I’ve travelled around doing lots of clear ups - rubbish is everywhere on our coastline.”

Since then BHASSEXPLORE has worked through phase one to four of it’s three year aim. This has involved a number of clear ups from Cows Gaps, around the lighthouse at Beachy Head, and right through to Cuckmere Haven.

Just last week (January 8-9) the group of 20 volunteers cleared up Cow Gap.

Now the group is into phase five, which is all about getting the word out to the public and gaining more support.

Norman says he is in talks with Eastbourne Borough Council to sort out an office and premises to display artwork created from the clear up sessions.

The three year aim ends with Norman leaving BHASSEXPLORE in 2022 and continuing clear ups wherever he goes.

Norman said, “I want to leave it in good hands so I can go and clear up somewhere else.

“The whole point is trying to clear as much as possible in three years. I just want people to keep clearing the area after I leave.

“Waste can hang around for 500 years if it isn’t cleared. One individual volunteering for one day can do work that helps prevent 500 years of damage to the environment.”

Rubbish that is collected goes on to be recycled or used by artists to make sculptures.

Bhassexplore also launched the #greensockmovement as a way of people all over the world sharing their environmental good deeds – all while wearing green socks.

Anyone wanting to get involved or keep up with BHASSEXPLORE can do so at https://www.bhassexplore.com/ or the group Facebook page.