Five times British surf champion Robyn Davies and the National Trust have launched a major project to increase support among young surfers and water users for the Trust’s coastal work in Devon and Cornwall.
The Surf Project, spearheaded by Robyn, will begin a new wave of involvement between the charity and 11 to 26 year olds in Devon and Cornwall – the surfing capital of the UK. Robyn will be developing volunteering opportunities, organising events and managing eco-surf lessons. Much of the role will develop over time, but Robyn is also expected to work on conservation and regeneration projects along the coast.
Robyn Davies, Surf Project Officer for the National Trust, says:
'The great thing about the UK coastline is the view looking back to the land from the sea. It still looks wild and untamed – so different from many coastlines around the world which have been overdeveloped. It’s thanks to the National Trust and its many supporters and volunteers, that we can enjoy such an unspoilt coastal environment'.
The Trust is launching The Surf Project in response to requests from the surf community who want to get more involved in the Trust’s coastal work. The charity estimates that around 2,000 people who surf or regularly use our coastal waters join the Trust as members every year in Devon and Cornwall. Many already volunteer, but the Trust hopes that the project will increase this support. Robyn goes on to say:
'The Trust was set up to look after special places for us all to enjoy and, as a charity, it needs help to look after our coastline. Whether you surf, kayak, walk the coastal footpath, or just enjoy watching the waves roll in to shore, we all get the same feeling from the sea and the coastal environment. We connect with it. It fulfils us all in some way. This is what the Surf Project is all about – instilling a great love and ownership for our coastline in people’s hearts. Ultimately, I hope that more people will want to take part, no matter how small, in helping to look after this wonderful environment.'
Robyn’s work will also involve water users outside of the 11-26 year old bracket. Part of her work will be to set up a reminiscing project with the ‘original’ Cornish surfers, capturing their memories of the early days and the development of surfing as a sport. Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the Trust, comments:
'Ever since the National Trust began, caring for the coastline has been an integral part of our work. I am thrilled that we are working with other groups of people who also care about our coast. Being an island nation most of us have an affinity with the sea and we hope to inspire a new generation to support and look after our precious coastline'.
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