Folkestone Conservation Champions

We’re proud to share that Phase 2 of our Conservation Champions project is officially launching in 2025—this time with a bold new focus on Citizen Science and Microplastics Research across the Cross-Channel Geopark. Thanks to our new partnership with Kent Downs National Landscape, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund GeoDiversity Project, we’ll be working alongside schools, community groups and volunteers to identify and study microplastics at coastal sites using innovative new research tools designed by Odyssey Innovation. This project is about more than cleaning up beaches—it's about creating lasting change through community-led science, education, and environmental action. We're also grateful to welcome Allicia Fullerton, a PhD student from Plymouth University, who will be designing the Citizen Science methodology that powers this next phase. Our heartfelt thanks continue to go to our generous project supporters: 💚 Kent County Council 💙 NHS Kent & Medway 🌱 Kent Community Foundation 🏛️ Folkestone & Hythe Council And to Louella Ward, our brilliant Geoanimator, for helping make this next chapter possible. 🚀 This project began with your support right here on Spacehive. We’re proud to show how crowdfunded grassroots efforts can grow into regional programmes with national impact. Thank you for believing in us. We’re just getting started. #CitizenScience #MicroplasticsResearch #CommunityLedChange #ConservationChampions #KentDowns #CrossChannelGeopark #PlasticFreeSeas #OdysseyInnovation #Geodiversity #SpacehiveSuccess

Thanks to the amazing support we received through our Spacehive crowdfunder, we’ve just hit a huge milestone in our Conservation Champions project in Folkestone. 🚛 This week, nearly two tonnes of end-of-life fishing nets—collected over the past year by local fishers—were loaded onto a lorry bound for Exeter, where they’ll be recycled by our fantastic partner Odyssey Innovation into kayaks and other water sports gear. None of this would’ve been possible without the hard work of: 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Becky Bruce, our amazing local lead working with the fishing community 🌊 Folkestone Harbour, who gave us secure space to store the gear and whose ops team even helped us load the lorry! 🙌 Our new volunteer Steve, who joined us on the day ♻️ And of course, you—our backers, who believed in this project from the beginning. This achievement is more than just recycling—it’s community-powered conservation in action. Together we’re cleaning up our coast, reducing marine plastic, and giving these materials a new life. We're incredibly grateful to our project funders including Kent County Council, Folkestone & Hythe Council, NHS Kent & Medway, and Kent Community Foundation. 👉 Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue this work through the summer—engaging schools, groups and volunteers in marine science, education, and action. Thank you for helping make this impact possible. Together, we’re turning the tide on marine plastic! 💙🌍 #ConservationChampions #Folkestone #CommunityProject #Recycling #MarineConservation #SpacehiveSuccess #NetToKayak #CircularEconomy

Following the success of last summer’s Conservation Champions programme in Folkestone, we’re excited to launch the next phase of our mission — reaching even more children with inspiring, hands-on experiences that raise awareness about conservation and the circular economy. Under the expert guidance of our dedicated volunteers, we’re now inviting new groups of young people to take part in a pioneering microplastics initiative. Thanks to the generous support of our new partner, Kent Downs National Landscape, children will use an innovative prototype tool — made entirely from recycled marine plastic — to collect and study microplastics from local beaches. This cutting-edge equipment has been developed by our recycling partner Odyssey Innovation, the same company that produced the recycled kayaks used by children in last year’s programme. In Phase 1, we were also honoured to collaborate with the Folkestone Fishing Community — stewards of local heritage and the sea. Together, they gathered several tonnes of discarded fishing nets, with essential support from Folkestone Harbour & Seafront, which provided storage facilities. These nets are now destined to be recycled into new kayaks and water sports equipment, continuing the cycle of marine stewardship. This year, our project expands beyond the coastline. We're embracing a broader, ecosystem-based approach — recognising that the health of our oceans begins on land. With this in mind, we’re thrilled to announce a new operational base generously provided by our new Patron. Set within a landscape of meadows, woodland, and freshwater, this beautiful site is rich in biodiversity and offers an ideal setting for immersive conservation and education experiences for disadvantaged children and adults alike. Here, we’re developing a dynamic programme of nature-based and skills-led activities — from habitat restoration to traditional land stewardship — all designed to foster a deeper connection with the environment and build ecological resilience. We look forward to sharing the next chapter in this exciting journey — including updates on our progress and the new adventures our Conservation Champions will embark upon!

The absolute legends that are the Kent Community Foundation team have given us the best Christmas present possible, awarding our project an incredibly generous grant of £4,449! We now have just 14 days left to raise the remaining £1,677 that we need.... Can you help? Or do you know of a company that could help us to make a positive difference to the lives of 100s of children in Kent, whilst improving ocean health and creating more recycling opportunities?