Saving Our Shores: Cornwall Charity Highlights Urgent Need to Preserve Sand Dunes

The 2 Minute Foundation, a Cornwall-based charity dedicated to environmental preservation, has produced a film series supported by the Making Space for Sand project. This series reveals the critical role that sand dunes play in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change. Through stunning visuals and expert insights, each episode dives into the natural formation and preservation of these fragile landscapes, emphasising the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

Watch all their videos on YouTube here.

Why Sand Dunes Matter

Cornwall’s sand dunes are more than just picturesque landscapes. These natural formations serve as the first line of defence against coastal erosion, offer shelter to diverse plant and animal species, and even help reduce the effects of climate change by capturing and storing carbon. With the new series by The 2 Minute Foundation, viewers are given an in-depth look at why protecting these environments matters now more than ever.

About The 2 Minute Foundation

Founded in 2019, The 2 Minute Foundation operates out of Cornwall with a mission to inspire people across the UK to spend just two minutes of their time cleaning up outdoor spaces. Through campaigns like #2minutebeachclean, #2minutelitterpick, and #2minutesolution, the charity encourages individuals to take small, simple steps to protect the environment.

The foundation’s story began in 2007 when founder Martin Dorey encountered a beach inundated with plastic and fishing waste. His frustration led him to organise beach cleans, eventually launching the popular #2minutebeachclean campaign in 2013. This movement has since expanded with over 1,000 #2minutebeachclean stations installed across the UK and Ireland. Now a registered charity, the foundation aims to tackle plastic pollution and inspire others to take part in similar actions, whether through organised events or solo efforts.

Taking Action, One Beach at a Time

The 2 Minute Foundation’s efforts extend beyond beach cleans, including street cleans, litter picks, and educational programmes like the 2 Minute Beach School. Their approach centres on practical, individual actions, encouraging people to take just two minutes each time they’re outdoors to pick up litter and make a difference. By fostering partnerships with local councils, volunteer organisations, and eco-conscious businesses, the charity broadens its reach and impact.

For those wishing to support The 2 Minute Foundation, donations can be made through their website at 2minute.org/donate.

Funding and Collaboration

Operating through grants, donations, and partnerships, The 2 Minute Foundation’s funding model reflects its collaborative approach. From councils to businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact, the charity partners with organisations aligned with its vision of a cleaner, healthier world. This commitment to collaboration allows The 2 Minute Foundation to guide businesses in reducing pollution and improving environmental practices.

A Call for Cornwall’s Conservation Efforts

As Cornwall’s coastlines face increasing environmental pressures, the 2 Minute Foundation’s work remains a beacon of positive action. By showing how small, individual acts can contribute to broader conservation efforts, the charity hopes to inspire everyone who values Cornwall’s natural beauty to take part. Whether through a donation or simply dedicating two minutes to cleaning up, every effort counts in preserving these landscapes for future generations.