Bournemouth is home to one of the UK’s most beautiful coastlines, however Bournemouth Beach still sees the impact of plastic pollution and sewage daily.

As the UK's first Refill Campus, Bournemouth University (BU) are delighted to be screening the new film ‘The Grand Swim’ to educate our students, staff and the local community on how they can they can help to tackle plastic pollution and sewage in Bournemouth - to protect our precious beaches.

This film tells the remarkable story of how Oly Rush; a swimmer, ocean advocate and environmental campaigner from Dorset, decided to swap his career as a plasterer for raising awareness of plastic pollution. Watch the trailer now!

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with:

• Oly Rush - Local swimmer, ocean activist, and star of 'The Grand Swim'
• Professor Rick Stafford - BU Professor of Marine Biology and Conservation

More about the film

Spending all his time around the sea and along the coastline, Oly has become increasingly aware of the huge issue that is plastic pollution. In recent years he has been aiming to raise awareness about plastic pollution through his passion, distance swimming. The swims have been growing year on year, each getting longer and harder but in doing so also reaching more people, creating the ripple effect needed to combat this global issue. This film chronicles Oly’s most epic swim yet – a world record attempt to swim around Grand Cayman. Estimated to take 30 hours of continuous swimming - all in the name of raising awareness for plastic pollution. Watch the trailer now!

Directed by Mike Coggan and produced by Steve Garay, The Grand Swim is a joint production by Bournemouth-based Grizzly Productions and The Biome Project.

More about BU's Refill Campus status

In 2024, Bournemouth University partnered with City to Sea to become the UK's first 'Refill Campus'. This accreditation is a symbol of BU's commitment to eliminating single-use plastic from our campuses, and playing a leading role in driving regional action to address this ongoing environmental challenge. From providing free drinking water at our 45 colourful refill stations across campus, to introducing our very own Cup Exchange Scheme to reduce disposable cup use, BU are taking bold action to support a circular economy.

More about Sustainability Screenings

BU’s Sustainability Screenings series aims to bring our community together to progress the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, by using film as a tool to educate, reflect, and inspire meaningful action. Before the film starts, we hold an exhibition of BU research and work being done by local organisations, businesses, and community groups that link closely with the topics explored in the film. After the film, we host a Q&A panel discussion about the film with experts.

These events are a fantastic opportunity for networking and developing partnerships within the local community. If you are interested in being involved in future events, please email sustainability@bournemouth.ac.uk

Travel

Talbot Campus is easily accessible by bike, on foot, or by bus. Our new Cycle Hub, located between Dorset House and Wallisdown Road, has visitor cycle storage areas. We have additional space for visitors to lock your bike in front of Poole House by the main entrance, next to Talbot House, and in front of Poole Gateway Building. Use this interactive map to locate these areas by filtering for ‘Bicycle Parking’.

You can also cycle to Talbot Campus using the Beryl Bikes available across the BCP area. Download the Beryl Bikes App here.

Visit the UNIBUS website to find out how to get to Talbot Campus by bus. Regular buses run between Bournemouth Railway Station and Talbot Campus if you will be travelling to Bournemouth by train.

If you need to drive, our Visitor and Events car park (what3words ticket.employ.rots) is free after 16:00pm. If you need to park here before 16:00pm, you must Pay and Display. Payments can be made upon arrival or in advance through this link, which also shows the current tariffs. If you have any questions about parking at Talbot Campus, please contact travel@bournemouth.ac.uk

Other Information

For general information on this event please contact sustainability@bournemouth.ac.uk

Photos may be taken at the event. If you do not want to appear in any photos, please notify a member of staff at the event. For further information on the use of photos and videos, please refer to our privacy policy. Please note that before placing an order, you will be asked to agree to Bournemouth University’s terms and conditions (see below). Please read these terms carefully and make sure you understand them.

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