Record-breaking paddleboarder Cal Major takes on the River Severn

Cal Major from Northam is currently stand-up paddling the length of the River Severn to highlight plastic pollution.

Northam veterinary surgeon and campaigner against plastic pollution, Major is spending a week paddling from the first navigable part of the river to highlight the course of plastic from source to sea.

She aims to raise awareness of how 80 per cent of marine litter originates from land-based sources, often ending up in waterways that take it out to the ocean.

At 354km, the River Severn is the UK’s longest river, according to the North Devon Gazette. From the Welsh hills, it flows through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and the cities of Shrewsbury, Worcester and Gloucester.

“I’m excited to demonstrate that no matter how far we live from the sea in the UK, we’re all connected to it through the network of inland waterways running like arteries and veins through our country,” Major says.

Image courtesy of Cal Major

“It’s going to be a tough week; I’ll be paddling 30 plus miles a day, but I’m really looking forward to experiencing the beautiful River Severn and its wildlife and people.”

After a couple of days, she says she’s already in love with the River Severn.

“I’ve seen kingfisher, heron, ducks, swans. This morning’s hike to the source of the River Severn was nothing short of glorious – and quite amazing to think the UK’s longest river could begin so humbly as a wee trickle in a Welsh moor. This evening I got into the River in Crew Green and paddled 17km until it was dark. I was rewarded with shadows of enormous trees and the sounds of owls.”

Her journey is not about relaxation though.

Image courtesy of Cal Major

“My bucket also filled up with plastic pretty quickly,” she says.

“On the very same stretch, I saw Kingfisher, I also picked up plastic bottles; amongst the ducks, I was tearing plastic bags out of the trees lining the river, and as I paddled into the sunset I picked up discarded frisbees and buckets. But there’s something we can do about this.

“This week is Zero Waste Week, an initiative to encourage and empower people and businesses all around the world to reassess the waste they create. Reducing the amount of single-use plastic we each use can be one of the most empowering ways of tackling the plastic problem. However, it can often feel like a bit of a mammoth task.

“Have you ever assessed how much plastic is going into your bin each week, or each month? It can be quite overwhelming to wonder how to change this. This overwhelm can often be paralysing.

“However my challenge for you today is to take the first step on your journey towards less waste. You don’t have to go ‘Zero-waste’ overnight – any small steps you can make to reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic you use is a great start, something to be proud of, and I’d encourage you to focus on this rather than feeling guilty about what you can’t currently do.”

Find out more about her journey.