Surrounded by the ocean on all sides but one and situated conveniently close to the English Channel, Cornwall was a prime smuggling location. We discover some of the best places to swim here that were also once used for smuggling.

Clare lewis is an environmentalist and an open water swimmer. Originally from the Isles of Scilly, she now live in Falmouth, where she runs Sure Swim Kernow, an open water swimming group that aims to help individuals build confidence and skills in the water, and encourages them to fulfil their personal adventures.

During the height of summer, in an attempt to escape the crowds of holiday makers, we took off on a week-long adventure. We left on a boat, in search of the last truly wild places in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly.

Immersing yourself in cold water is a deeply transformational experience. The reasons for this are rooted within our biology and it is what ultimately brings people to the water’s edge to take the plunge. Asides from the emotional rewards that the water has to offer, there are a number of physiological benefits of cold exposure too.

Last month we had the pleasure of interviewing Ed Accura, co-founder of the Black Swimming Association, Producer of A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim: My Story, Podcaster and Musician. He’s also recently started learning to swim. In part 1 of 2 in our Ed Accura blog series, we learn about Ed and how the film came to be. 

Rip currents are the largest cause of RNLI rescues in the UK. In an attempt to spread awareness of these unrelenting currents, we’ve collected some information on what they are, and how they can be avoided.

This week we caught up with Chloë Peglau to find out how embracing her body hair has been a source of empowerment, and helped her devote more time to what matters to her; getting in the ocean, investing in her wellbeing, and continuing the move towards body positivity.

This month, we’ve been participating in #plasticfreejuly to reduce our impact on the ocean and the wider environment. As we near the end of this month, we want to reflect on the changes we can make to reduce and eventually eliminate the amount of single use plastics that enter into circulation, and inevitably our oceans. 

During one of the choir services a beautiful mermaid called Morvehen hears Matthew’s pure voice and is captivated by his song. Once the sermon ends; Morvehen can’t resist enticing Matthew to join her for a swim at Zennor cove and legend has it that he never returned. But if you stand looking out to sea at Zennor cove on a warm summer’s evening you may well hear the sound of Matthew and Morvehen’s singing emanate from beneath the waves.

Dom Smith is both an artist and an oceanographer. He’s forging a unique career that explores the inter-section between between science and creativity. We’re fascinated by his work, and his unique view of the natural world, so we caught up with him to find out more.