In 2022 Blackpool Council became the first local authority in North West England to call a ‘Motion for the Ocean’. This involved making seven pledges to improve the health of our coastal waters and raise public awareness about the importance of the sea.
Our response
In 2023 we held a workshop with experts and stakeholders from Blackpool and across the north west to help shape our approach. Following this our Source-to-Sea Action Plan was developed through the council’s Water and Coastal Management Group.
Read our source-to-sea action plan.
Our projects
Since the motion was passed we have worked in partnership to deliver our pledges through a number of projects.
Coastal arts engagement
LeftCoast teamed up with international artists Futurefarmers and local residents to create a giant Beachship - a mobile artwork designed to explore themes of purpose, connection, and coastal identity. This interactive vessel engaged the community by imprinting resident-designed shapes into the sand.
Sustainable health events
Family health events were held at four libraries across Blackpool, with support from United Utilities, Hey Girls, Blackpool Family Hubs, and Better Start Blackpool. The events highlighted the impact of single-use plastic products on our waterways and offered access to sustainable toothbrushes and women’s health products.
Sustainable procurement
The council is committed to sustainable procurement. So far 27 sanitary vending machines across 10 council buildings have switched to providing sustainable options, with a view to expand locations. Current locations are:
- Number One Bickerstaffe Square
- Palatine Sports Centre
- The Place
- Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre
- Municipal Buildings
- Solaris Centre
- Blackpool Sports Centre
- Coastal House
- Housing options (The Old Foyer)
- Stanley Buildings
Turning Tides Partnership
Turning Tides is a north west bathing water partnership. Through Blackpool’s membership, we’ve been working with partners to explore source-to-sea projects in local river catchments. These efforts aim to tackle pollution at its source, improving water quality not only in our rivers but also in the sea, leading better bathing waters along our coast.
Get involved
Beach schools
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire and North Merseysides offers a local beach schools programme. You can learn more on their website.
Litter Pick Marathon
Enveco and SEA LIFE Blackpool host an annual Litter Pick Marathon in the spring.
Community Refill Scheme
Download the free Refill app and tap into a global network of places to reduce, reuse and refill with 300,000 Refill stations offering refills for water, coffee, food containers and plastic-free shopping. With over 480,000 app downloads worldwide, the Refill app has saved approximately 100 million single-use plastic bottles to date.