A West Kirby lifeguard has kickstarted a campaign to make our many beaches both safer and cleaner.
Rebecca Gillmore has created a series of driftwood signs designed to raise awareness of the dangers of litter and single use plastics.
Placing her first sign at West Kirby beach in 2016 – after recycling an old piece of driftwood washed ashore – Rebecca has since replicated this idea at various beaches and beauty spots across the borough.
A total of 14 driftwood signs are proudly affixed, with the council’s backing to preserve them, in Hoylake, New Brighton, Rock Ferry and more areas.
Alongside her day job, Rebecca is also Wirral’s representative for Surfers Against Sewage, an organisation which raises awareness of the importance of marine conservation to people who live in all areas, not just coastal towns.
The rubbish we throw away or flush down the toilet inland can wind up in our oceans. SAS remind us that caring for the planet is everybody’s responsibility.
“It’s about using as little plastic as you can, in the best way for you,” says Rebecca, who has received overwhelmingly positive feedback since starting her campaign a couple of years ago.
“We understand that not everybody can make massive changes, some people need to use single use plastics because they’re cheaper. It’s about getting people thinking and talking about the issues, making smaller changes that can add up.”
Rebecca has gone on to connect with local litter-picking groups The High Tidiers and New Brighteners, further spreading environmentally friendly messages across Wirral.
To find out more, like ‘SAS Wirral’ on Facebook or email Rebecca at rebeccalaurengillmore@googlemail.com