Recycled Gifts Made from Fishing Net Recovered on Polkerris Beach

A huge tangle of plastic fishing net weighing over four tonnes has been transformed into sustainable gifts after washing up on Polkerris Beach.

A Race Against the Tide

The net, described as a giant mass of twisted plastic, washed ashore before Sam and the team at Behaviour Change Cornwall hauled it up the beach to stop the waves reclaiming it. They worked against the incoming tide, cutting the net into sections that could be moved safely.

Lost fishing nets like this are known as ghost fishing gear because they continue to kill wildlife long after being lost at sea. According to the team, these nets are among the most deadly forms of plastic found on UK beaches, trapping and killing dolphins, whales, seabirds and fish. Over time they also break down into micro-plastic that enters the bodies of wildlife and eventually humans through food.

Turning Ocean Waste Into Gifts

Sam and the team are recycling every possible part of the recovered material, including floats, plastic net and rope. The waste is being turned into bracelets, jewellery, coasters, keyrings and even Christmas decorations so that none of it returns to the sea. Each item sold helps fund their work recovering litter from beaches and developing new ways to recycle ocean plastic.

“Although the problem at times can feel overwhelming we take pride in the fact we are transforming trash into treasure, making completely unique products where no two can ever be exactly alike, rejecting the idea of mass production. Whilst we alone will never recycle or recover it all, each bit we can recycle in our workspace here in the Fowey Valley is helping save marine life” said Sam Gill, founder.

Behaviour Change Cornwall say their customers are supporters of their wider mission and believe that, together, people can help create a cleaner ocean and protect marine wildlife.

You can read more about their work and see their recycled creations at behaviourchangecornwall.co.uk.