Environmental Action Group
Formed: January 2025
At Warsash Sailing Club, we are proud to announce the formation of our Environmental Action Group, dedicated to promoting sustainability and protecting the beautiful marine environment we all enjoy.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to lead the way in promoting sustainable sailing practices, reducing the club’s carbon footprint, and protecting marine ecosystems.
Meetings
Our meetings are held on a Tuesday at 7.30 pm. Please see the upcoming dates below.
All are welcome — whether you’re a long-time member or newly interested in supporting environmental efforts!
The Environmental Action Group operates within the club’s governance structure, working alongside — not adding to the workload of — club officers and staff. Together, we aim to make a meaningful, positive impact on our environment.
Tuesday 14th October
- 19:30 – 21:00
- Environmental Action Group
Tuesday 11th November
- 19:30 – 21:00
- Environmental Action Group
Tuesday 9th December
- 19:30 – 21:00
- Environmental Action Group
Current Initiatives
- Microplastics Survey
Warsash Point Beach, Saturday, 20th September at 2pm, following Youth Sailing. Please see all the details and how to book in the Members Portal. - Annual Beach Clean
Sponsored by North Sails, our beach clean events help remove litter and protect coastal wildlife. - Annual Intertidal Survey
Organised in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, this project supports the monitoring and preservation of vital marine habitats. - Recycling Cans from the Bar
Thanks to club member Frances Kay, along with support from the bar team and bosuns, we are collecting cans from the bar for recycling. This not only supports sustainability but also raises funds for the Air Ambulance. A huge thank you to everyone involved! - The Green Blue Pledge
Warsash Sailing Club has joined The Green Blue Pledge, supporting cleaner, greener boating. - Resource Use
Our WSC Treasurer has renegotiated our energy supplier to 100% renewables with Lumina Energy, saving thousands of pounds a year. We are now in the process increasing the signage to reduce water and energy waste. This was brought to sailors attention at the recent Dinghy Racing Briefing and Youth Registration. - Building Insulation
About 20 metres of high-grade insulation has been installed in the club boiler room, saving about 2,300 kg of CO2 equivalent a year! (assumptions apply). - Reusing Clothes & Accessories
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have a dedicated Lost Property Rail in the River Room. Here, you can reclaim any lost items or choose to purchase pre-loved items for a small fee. All proceeds go directly towards improving club facilities, helping us reduce waste and support a more sustainable future for our sailing community. - Annual Boat Jumble
Organised by Vicky Biggs, our Sailing Secretary, the 2026 Boat Jumble is provisionally scheduled for Saturday, 22nd March. We plan to offer tables for individual sellers, host a WSC table, and run a dedicated swap shop for youth clothing and accessories.
Sub-Groups and Focus Areas
To address key environmental challenges, three specialist sub-groups have been created:
- Group 1: Reduce the Club’s Carbon Footprint
Working on initiatives to make the club’s operations more sustainable. - Group 2: Coastal Management
Focusing on protecting and enhancing our local coastline and its ecosystems. - Group 3: Water Quality
Dedicated to safeguarding the cleanliness and health of the waters we sail on.
Please see the WSC ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY.
Useful Information
The Green Blue Environmental Facilities Map
This is an interactive online tool developed by The Green Blue, a joint environmental initiative by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine. This map is designed to assist recreational boaters across the UK in locating marinas, harbours, and boatyards that offer environmentally friendly facilities, promoting sustainable boating practices.
The map provides information on various environmental facilities, including:
- Pump-out stations for blackwater and greywater disposal
- Compost toilet disposal points
- Recycling facilities
- Hazardous waste disposal (e.g., oily waste, batteries, paint)
- Flares disposal locations
- Filtered/bunded boat washdown systems that capture and filter contaminated water
- Freshwater refill points
- Electric charging points for boats and cars
Other Useful Links
RYA GREEN/BLUE PLEDGE – the pledge invites individuals and clubs to commit to simple, practical actions that minimize environmental impact on both inland and coastal waters.
SOLENT SEASCAPE PROJECT LINK – Long term initiative to restore multiple habitats in the Solent.
SURVEY LINK – Seascape Project survey for Solent users.
RIVERS AND SEAS WATCH – Southern Water Sewage Outlet Live Map
HAMBLE OYSTER REEF – Video on work in the Hamble to restore oyster beds
HAMBLE ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP – Independent group for interested parties.
CLEAN SOLENT SHORES AND SEAS – Collating and sharing water quality data.
HAMBLE HARBOUR – Harbour Master advice and initiatives to protect the Hamble River.
ROOSTER X MINDFUL MANTA – Collecting and recycling wetsuit and accessories
SOLENT FORUM – Supports sustainable management of the Solent.
SOLENT PROTECTION – News on projects to protect the areas in the Solent.
OUT OF SAILS – UPCYCLING OLD SAILS – Did you know around 97% of old sails end up in landfill? Wendy helps change that by transforming used sails into useful everyday items. If you have old sails to donate or would like to see her products please see her website.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Stuart Henderson at honsec@warsashsc.org.uk or Jude Wilkinson at jude.wilkinson67@gmail.com.
Alternatively, you can stay up to date by reading our eNews, where we’ll share regular news on the group’s progress and activities. Together, we can make a positive impact!
Our Keen to be Green eNews is stored on the Members Portal.