Bodyboard recycling event as calls grow to ban the board

Over 40 Newquay schoolchildren have been busy breaking down hundreds of bodyboards to help the marine environment and raise awareness of the damage caused by single-use boards.

The boards were collected from recycling stations at three local beaches over the summer and stripped down into their component parts for safe recycling by Keep Britain Tidy. Pupils at Newquay Junior School learned about the harmful impact of polystyrene boards, which can break down into microplastics and pose a serious risk to marine life.

(Scroll down to listen to our report from the event)

Karl Fice-Thomson, known as Mr FT, who leads families and children on rockpool rambles along local beaches, said the boards are heavily polluting. Groups supported by Newquay BID are also lobbying retailers to stock safer, more sustainable alternatives.

The event, held on Thursday 6 November, brought together schoolchildren, volunteers, and environmental groups to take direct action against bodyboard pollution. Former UK Bodyboard Champion Rob Barber joined the Mayor of Newquay, Drew Creek, to highlight the importance of reusable boards and encourage local businesses to move away from disposable alternatives. 

The initiative was organised by Newquay Clean, a collaboration between Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Council, the Newquay Marine Group and local councillors, set up to protect the environment and improve water safety.

“This summer, our community came together to reinstate bodyboard recycling stations,” said Mayor Drew Creek. “Now, we’re taking the next step by educating our children and engaging retailers to protect both the environment and visitor safety.”

PRESS PLAY to listen to our report from the event...