Jake Sculthorp and Rosie Bailey have come a long way in less than three years.

But to understand how far you have to rewind to June 2018.

As passionate environmentalists they were peering over the cliffs at Old Harry Rocks.

It was a shocking sight.

Studland Bay was full of litter floating around on the swell.

With no access on foot they wondered how it could be cleared.

Moments later – and as if by fate – a family of kayakers appeared from around the headland.

It set Jake and Rosie thinking.

The seed of an idea had taken root and what was to become their community interest company, GoPladdle, was born.

Pladdle is the act of picking up litter while using a paddle.

And that’s exactly what Jake and Rosie did.

Using their newly acquired kayeks they began cleaning coves along the Jurassic Coast and Poole Harbour.

But the couple soon realised that beach cleaning alone was not going to be enough.

So, with the support of the community and some forward-thinking businesses, they started work on an impressive project list, striving to put long term solutions in place.

Not just organised beach cleans and regular cleaning excursions but working with Poole Harbour Commissioners to make the 2019 Poole Harbour Boat Show plastic-free.

As their passion grew ever stronger for the environment, they began working their way inland.

Because they believed oceans weren’t the only planetary marvel in danger of collapse.

Forests and wildlife are as equally vulnerable.

But, in the words of Jake: “There were just too many things we wanted to do.

“Things just grew and grew.

“To encapsulate more, GoPladdle needed to change.

“We never really expected it to get to the point it had.

“It was a kind of ‘do or die’ moment for us.

“We choose do!”

And now GoPladdle has rebranded as Oceans to Earth.

Still a community interest company but, in the space of a few months, it’s secured:

• A partner – the Word Forest Organisation, a Dorset-based charity that plants trees and builds and raises environmental awareness.
• Nine patrons: Coleman Marine Insurance, ePropulsion, Icom, Parkstone Rotary Club, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Port of Poole Marina, Ribs Marine, River Boats UK and Tidal Studios.
• And, above all, a sponsor: Rockfish, which has restaurants on Poole Quay and also in Weymouth as well as across Devon.

Oceans to Earth’s mission statement is: “We confront environmental challenges, through education, research and partnership, creating a healthier community for all.”

Jake said: “As well as GoPladdle and the Big Harbour Clean Up, Oceans to Earth will be a hub for other projects and partnership.

“A trusted environmental brand providing education to schools, businesses and other organisations around the impact of ocean pollution and carbon capture, empowering them to take action.

“We’ve come a very long way since June 2018 but there is so much more we want to do.

“In many ways, this is just the beginning.”

Jake, 38, and Rosie, 31, have now been joined by a team of committed environmentalists including Oly Rush, Operations Director, pictured right, who raised £4,500 in ten days from a coastal swim, and Dave Whyte, Finance Director.

Other key members include:

• Rebecca Lever and Phoebe Burton, both Plastic Free Poole Community Leads.
• Paul and Jenny Burrows from Tidal Studio, designers of Ocean to Earth’s logo and website.
• Kester Bailey, Content Creator, and Jake Honeywill, Graphic Designer.

Rockfish has so far raised £3,292 for Oceans to Earth despite the uncertainty caused by Covid 19.

In each of its restaurants there is an optional £1 contribution added to the bill to help support local causes.

The Poole restaurant supports The Friends of Dolphin and Oceans to Earth.

Jake said: “With this money, Rockfish will help us further expand our educational resources.

“It will purchase equipment that will allow us to get local children out on the water via one of our proposed projects with Dorset Wildlife Trust.

“The money will also help us continue our efforts to keep Poole Harbour as clean, tidy and as plastic free as possible.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the incredible members of the community, as well as Rockfish, who have chosen to donate to Oceans to Earth.”

Rockfish Founder Mitch Tonks, pictured, who is UK ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council, said: “What Jake and Rosie are doing locally is amazing.

“It’s real grass roots stuff.

“Trying to find local solutions to some of the huge environmental problems we’re all facing and really get things done.

“it is inspiring for us all and fantastic to be able to offer some support from us and our restaurant customers to help them continue this great work.”

• As a community interest company, Oceans to Earth relies on the financial support of businesses, organisations and individuals. More details can be found at oceanstoearth.com