Val and I joined volunteeers led by Final Straw for a Prinsted beach clean.

It was pleasing to see an absence of the microplastics that used to be a feature of this beach, but we found enough litter to add some purpose to our stroll.

There are many ways to tackle environmental issues. Offering shoppers an alternative to plastic bags is just one small way.

Some GoodGymers dug out unwanted canvas tote bags from cupboards and drawers. Other GoodGymers used fabric scraps to cover old logos and beautify the totes, to create Borrow Bags, ready to be delivered to local shops.

GoodGymers boosted the number of volunteers at the Final Straw beach clean by bringing along friends, colleagues, grandchildren & dogs.

The beach cleaners collected multiple pieces of fishing line, rope, plastic and rusty metal from the beach.

Wilson and I joined a gang of volunteers at a task organised by Final Straw and Portsmouth Uni as part of a project to reintroduce native oysters to the Solent.

Over 3 days, volunteers scrubbed 10,000 oysters to remove bio-hazards and pollutants, before the oysters will be introduced to the sea at Eastney to grow and reproduce.

We made new chums while scrubbing and learned new facts about how vital oysters are to marine health.

A novel and fun way to spend the day!

Final Straw encourage volunteers to create Borrow Bags which are offered as an alternative to plastic in local shops in Emsworth.

I upcycled 10 tote bags which had logos from other organisations, and used appliqué, ribbons and embroidery to cover or adapt the old designs, and then added the Final Straw label.

I incorporated exercise into my task by walking to deliver the bags to the Final Straw office.

The Emsworth walk was previously planned to be a chocolate tub drop-off. But with Final Straw withdrawing from the scheme, and the switch to Greene King's Tub to Pub, we changed the plans for our walk.

4 GoodGymers, with 4 in training, walked from central Emsworth to Nore Barn Woods.

We litter picked the perimeter paths and the adjacent beach.

There was plenty to see and experience. A great way to get out in the fresh air on a cold afternoon.