From Landfill to Laboratory: Discarded Bodyboards Find New Purpose Protecting Devon’s Seagrass

By Andrew Kay

In a creative display of the “circular economy” in action, discarded bodyboards rescued from Devon’s recycling centres are being repurposed to help scientists conduct critical environmental research.

The initiative, led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Devon County Council, sees boards that were destined for the scrap heap finding a second life as essential tools for surveying fragile intertidal mudflats.

Navigating the Mud

For researchers working in Devon’s estuaries, the soft, unstable terrain of intertidal mudflats presents a significant logistical hurdle. Standard equipment is often difficult to transport, and the mud itself makes on-foot navigation arduous.

By repurposing foam bodyboards, the Environment Agency has discovered a simple, cost-effective solution. The boards provide a buoyant, stable surface that allows researchers to rest, transport heavy monitoring equipment, and distribute their weight while navigating through challenging, sludge-heavy environments.

“The repurposed boards provide a perfect stable surface for researchers to rest on, transport equipment, and help manoeuvre through challenging conditions,” said Paul Elsmere, an Environmental Monitoring Officer at the Environment Agency. “Thinking of the environment, we approached Devon County Council’s HWRC operator SUEZ to see if they could help with any discarded boards. We’ve shared details with other Environment Agency teams who hope to do the same for the work they are carrying out.”

Protecting Vital Habitats

The primary goal of these surveys is to monitor the health of local seagrass meadows. These underwater grasslands are among the UK’s most ecologically significant habitats, acting as a nursery for marine life, a carbon sink, and a natural defense against coastal erosion.

Data collected during these missions provides researchers with the information necessary to monitor ecosystem health and implement long-term conservation strategies.

A Blueprint for the Circular Economy

The project has been lauded by local government officials as a model for sustainable waste management.

“Seagrass meadows are a vital part of Devon’s coastal environment, which is why this monitoring work is so important,” said Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment, and Transport. “By working together, we’ve found a simple way to reduce waste and keep costs down while supporting research that will help protect these habitats for years to come. It’s a brilliant example of the circular economy in action.”

As the Environment Agency looks to expand the use of repurposed materials across other regions, this Devon-based pilot program serves as a reminder that discarded items often hold hidden value, proving that conservation efforts can be as resourceful as they are impactful.

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