An environmental charity Project Planet Earth, has released data about the amount of plastic and rubbish collected at Chapman’s Pool near Worth Matravers, Dorset, in 2025.
During 12 beach cleans in the cove, more than 800 kilos of waste was collected – equal to around 160 bin bags full, or 40,000 plastic 500ml fizzy drink bottles.
Project Planet Earth team clearing up rubbish at Chapman’s Pool
Plastic bottles, food containers, Lego pieces and plastic figures
The Dorset-based charity says that the most common litter found at Chapman’s Pool relates to fishing – nets, ropes, crates, lines and hooks – potentially lethal to marine creatures which can get tangled and trapped.
Other frequent finds include plastic bottles, food containers and even children’s toys such as Lego pieces and plastic figures.
On its most recent beach clean on Sunday 18th January 2026, the charity collected seven bags of waste weighing about 57 kilos, as well as heavy fishing rope and a mussel float.
Chapman’s Pool is one of the most challenging sites for the charity. The prevailing winds and tides drive any marine litter along that stretch of coastline into the cove.
Then there is the issue of inaccessibility for vehicles, which makes removing the waste from the cove to the top of the cliff a huge challenge.
Oly Rush has dedicated his life to clearing up rubbish from beaches to improve the marine environment
“More and more people are getting on board”
Oly Rush, founder of Project Planet Earth, and record-breaking endurance swimmer said:
“We couldn’t do this without the support of the local community. More and more people are getting on board, all doing their bit to keep the cove beautiful and make the seas safer for marine life.”
The team at the Square and Compass pub in Worth Matravers are fully supportive of the charity’s work.
Landlord, Charlie Newman, provides a shed in the cove for storing beach-cleaning equipment, as well as letting Oly use his van and trailer for transporting waste back up the hill. Bar staff often help out with beach cleans and raising awareness.
Pub manager, Alex Wallis, said:
“Oly and his team do an awesome job keeping our beaches clean, especially Chapman’s Pool which is a popular place for locals. We are very happy to help out in any way we can.”
The Encombe Estate, owned by the Gaggero family, has also played a vital role by granting vehicular access to the site, assisting with disposal of non‑recyclable waste, and sponsoring Oly’s awareness raising extreme swims.
James Gaggero said:
“Oly Rush is a perfect example of one man who may not change the world, but if every man accomplished what he does each and every day, the world would be a very much better place for us all.”
More than 800 kilos of waste was collected during 2025
Waste from fishing is one of the most common items to wash up on the shore
“Lots of people stop to thank us for what we are doing”
Local residents and walkers regularly take bags down to the cove and collect waste, then leave it in sacks for collection by the charity.
Oly said:
“It’s inspiring to see so many people joining the fight. We are hoping to introduce a better system for them to leave the bags so we can sort it into recyclable and non- recyclable items before taking it from the site.
“We just ask that people don’t drop their dog poo bags with the other waste – that’s really unpleasant!
“It’s also amazing to see how many people just join in with us when we are at the cove. On our beach clean today, there were some young sea swimmers.
“When they saw us struggling to drag some heavy sacks back along the beach, they came over and offered to take them for us. Lots of people stop to thank us for what we are doing, and say it’s inspired them to do more.
“It’s this trickle effect that is so heart- warming for us. Knowing that others are joining the cause.”
Oly spreads the message of being environmetally responsible by giving talks in schools
Visiting schools to raise awareness
Although the charity organises other beach cleans along the Jurassic Coast, Chapman’s Pool has a special place in Oly’s heart.
When he visited the cove five years ago, he was shocked by the amount of plastic on the beach.
At that moment, he made the decision to change his life – and dedicate his time to doing something positive for the environment.
Oly left his job as a plasterer to dedicate himself full‑time to environmental action. His commitment quickly inspired others, leading to the formation of Project Planet Earth which became a registered charity in 2023.
Its mission is to tackle plastic pollution by organising regular beach cleans, visiting schools to raise awareness, and inspiring other people to join the fight in whatever way they can.
Oly said:
“Chapman’s Pool is just stunning, a place of raw beauty. But every tide washes more plastic in. I felt sad and frustrated, and I knew the only way to avoid sinking into depression was to take positive action.
“Having witnessed Project Planet Earth grow, I am filled with hope. None of this would be possible without the collective enthusiasm, generosity, skillset and vision of our team.
“I am also beyond grateful to the sponsors, supporters and everyone out there who is doing something to help this beautiful planet.”
Oly at Studland in 2020 after completing the challenge of swimming the length of the Jusrassic Coast to raise awareness and funds
Record-breaking swims
Oly is a record-breaking endurance swimmer and he uses these events to raise awareness of plastic pollution.
By capturing international media attention and sparking public interest, he can highlight how people can join the fight against plastic pollution.
- Jurassic Coast: In August 2020, Oly Rush swam the entire 100-mile (160km) stretch of the Jurassic Coast, from Orcombe Point near Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, over the course of nine days
- Isle of Wight: In 2021, Oly completed a record-breaking 65-mile (105km) swim around the Isle of Wight in just 15 hours and 9 minutes, becoming the fastest person to achieve the feat
- Grand Cayman: In May 2022, Oly became the first person to swim non-stop around Grand Cayman Island. Covering 59 miles (95.5 km) in under 37 hours, he set a Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation swim of the island. This raised over £19,521 for Plastic Free Cayman, a local non-profit organisation committed to reducing plastic waste in the region
- Ithaca: In August 2023, Oly completed a non-stop swim around the Greek island of Ithaca, covering approximately 37-miles (60km) in 19 hours and 41 minutes
Oly said:
“It’s impossible to accurately measure the true impact of my extreme swims. But I can tell you when I visit schools and give talks on plastic pollution, retelling the stories from the swims and the reasons behind them, I know it will have an impact on their lives.
“I know they will tell their family and friends. That ripple effect is how change begins.”
Swanage resident Cathy Lewis (left) with Oly (right) at Chapman’s Pool
“Giving me hope for the future”
Swanage resident Cathy Lewis met Oly when she was looking for a marine-based charity to support her Channel swim relay in 2023.
She not only raised over £2,000 for Project Planet Earth but also joined the team, helping with publicity, and attending awareness events such as Swanage Carnival. She said:
“I’m lucky enough to live by the sea. I’m fascinated by marine wildlife – and get totally over-excited when I see seals, dolphins, shoals of fish, spider crabs – or even jellyfish.
“But at the same time, I find the amount of plastic in the sea utterly depressing. I had begun to feel lost and helpless in the face of the problem.
“Then I came across Oly. His passion for the ocean – and unfailing determination to do all he can to reduce the plastic in our seas – is inspirational.
“His epic swims and endless enthusiasm are motivating a new generation of eco-activists. Supporting the charity makes me feel like I’m doing my bit to help the planet, as well as giving me hope for the future.”
Chapman’s Pool can be idyllic in summer but still rubbish washes up on the beach
Next beach clean
The next beach clean is at Chapman’s Pool from 12.30 pm onwards on Sunday 8th March 2026. Volunteers are asked to meet at Renscombe car park or at the beach.
The charity says anyone is welcome to come along, and it will provide all the necessary equipment, including litter pickers, bags and a glass recycling bin.
People are advised to bring gloves, and wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and suitable warm, weather-proof clothing. Children are welcome, as long as they are supervised by an adult.
Watch the Project Planet Earth film
Further information
- More about Project Planet Earth
