11/02/2013 Inside Out South West

Torridge is a beautiful district of Torridge is a beautiful district of

the tranquil countryside and the tranquil countryside and

the tranquil countryside and historic towns and villages. On a

historic towns and villages. On a historic towns and villages. On a

historic towns and villages. On a day like today, who would want to

day like today, who would want to day like today, who would want to

be anywhere else? But some people be anywhere else? But some people

be anywhere else? But some people be anywhere else? But some people

pay a high price for living here pay a high price for living here

pay a high price for living here pay a high price for living here

because this part of the South West because this part of the South West

because this part of the South West because this part of the South West

has the lowest wages in Britain. We has the lowest wages in Britain. We

has the lowest wages in Britain. We have been investigating. Kate is

have been investigating. Kate is have been investigating. Kate is

have been investigating. Kate is training to be a councillor and one

training to be a councillor and one training to be a councillor and one

training to be a councillor and one day have to set up her own business.

day have to set up her own business. day have to set up her own business.

day have to set up her own business. That would boost my income to the

That would boost my income to the That would boost my income to the

level where I could support myself, level where I could support myself,

level where I could support myself, level where I could support myself,

of which is my intention. I do not of which is my intention. I do not

of which is my intention. I do not of which is my intention. I do not

like living off the benefits, but I like living off the benefits, but I

like living off the benefits, but I like living off the benefits, but I

want to support myself and I have want to support myself and I have

want to support myself and I have want to support myself and I have

to do something about it. At the to do something about it. At the

to do something about it. At the moment, Kate works for �6.19 an

moment, Kate works for �6.19 an moment, Kate works for �6.19 an

moment, Kate works for �6.19 an hour in this shop. Her boss says

hour in this shop. Her boss says hour in this shop. Her boss says

hour in this shop. Her boss says that paying that rate is the only

that paying that rate is the only that paying that rate is the only

way her business can survive. way her business can survive.

way her business can survive. way her business can survive.

would love to pay Kate Moore and I would love to pay Kate Moore and I

would love to pay Kate Moore and I would love to pay Kate Moore and I

would love to pay myself more. But would love to pay myself more. But

would love to pay myself more. But would love to pay myself more. But

there just is not a business there there just is not a business there

there just is not a business there there just is not a business there

to do that. Cover and figures show to do that. Cover and figures show

to do that. Cover and figures show the Torridge district sh --

the Torridge district sh -- the Torridge district sh --

government figures showed that the government figures showed that the

government figures showed that the Torridge district has at the lowest

Torridge district has at the lowest Torridge district has at the lowest

average figures in years. It is average figures in years. It is

average figures in years. It is almost �2 below the national

almost �2 below the national almost �2 below the national

average. Kate used to run this average. Kate used to run this

average. Kate used to run this Torrington pub. She says that the

Torrington pub. She says that the Torrington pub. She says that the

smoking ban and cheap supermarket smoking ban and cheap supermarket

smoking ban and cheap supermarket drinks have taken their toll and

drinks have taken their toll and drinks have taken their toll and

drinks have taken their toll and now the place is closed three the

now the place is closed three the now the place is closed three the

week. Since she left the Torridge week. Since she left the Torridge

week. Since she left the Torridge week. Since she left the Torridge

Inn, three other pubs in the town Inn, three other pubs in the town

Inn, three other pubs in the town Inn, three other pubs in the town

have shut up for good. It is awful. have shut up for good. It is awful.

have shut up for good. It is awful. have shut up for good. It is awful.

It is all for the way that It is all for the way that

It is all for the way that Torrington social life has declined.

Torrington social life has declined. Torrington social life has declined.

Torrington social life has declined. -- it is awful. At one time, the

-- it is awful. At one time, the -- it is awful. At one time, the

Torridge Inn was in exactly the Torridge Inn was in exactly the

Torridge Inn was in exactly the right place, slapping across the

right place, slapping across the right place, slapping across the

road from 400 potential customers. road from 400 potential customers.

road from 400 potential customers. The workforce at Torridge Vale

The workforce at Torridge Vale The workforce at Torridge Vale

Creamery. But that shut down back Creamery. But that shut down back

Creamery. But that shut down back Creamery. But that shut down back

in 1993. The it was the ladies' in 1993. The it was the ladies'

in 1993. The it was the ladies' in 1993. The it was the ladies'

toilets. They would slip out for a toilets. They would slip out for a

toilets. They would slip out for a cigarette. The canteen was over

cigarette. The canteen was over cigarette. The canteen was over

there. Diana and Barry both worked there. Diana and Barry both worked

there. Diana and Barry both worked there. Diana and Barry both worked

at the creamery. They lived in and at the creamery. They lived in and

at the creamery. They lived in and around Torrington all of their

around Torrington all of their around Torrington all of their

lives. The officers were there, all lives. The officers were there, all

lives. The officers were there, all along there. -- the offices. That

along there. -- the offices. That along there. -- the offices. That

along there. -- the offices. That is where we used to pump the

is where we used to pump the is where we used to pump the

is where we used to pump the tankers in and out. The butter a

tankers in and out. The butter a tankers in and out. The butter a

broom right behind it. Barry left broom right behind it. Barry left

broom right behind it. Barry left the creamery before it closed. He

the creamery before it closed. He the creamery before it closed. He

the creamery before it closed. He recalls a time when jobs in this

recalls a time when jobs in this recalls a time when jobs in this

recalls a time when jobs in this part of Devon a very easy to come

part of Devon a very easy to come part of Devon a very easy to come

part of Devon a very easy to come by. Back then you could give your

by. Back then you could give your by. Back then you could give your

by. Back then you could give your notice and leave in the morning and

notice and leave in the morning and notice and leave in the morning and

notice and leave in the morning and you could get a job somewhere else

you could get a job somewhere else you could get a job somewhere else

in the afternoon. Across town lies in the afternoon. Across town lies

in the afternoon. Across town lies another derelict site. Once the

another derelict site. Once the another derelict site. Once the

another derelict site. Once the home of a big meat factory. Barry

home of a big meat factory. Barry home of a big meat factory. Barry

worked here as well. The workforce worked here as well. The workforce

worked here as well. The workforce was probably about 400 people at

was probably about 400 people at was probably about 400 people at

was probably about 400 people at one time, and they used to kill

one time, and they used to kill one time, and they used to kill

Daily, hundreds of cattle, 200 pigs Daily, hundreds of cattle, 200 pigs

Daily, hundreds of cattle, 200 pigs Daily, hundreds of cattle, 200 pigs

and a couple of 1,000 sheep. It was and a couple of 1,000 sheep. It was

and a couple of 1,000 sheep. It was and a couple of 1,000 sheep. It was

OK but it did not last. North Devon OK but it did not last. North Devon

OK but it did not last. North Devon OK but it did not last. North Devon

Meat closed after a fire in 2001 Meat closed after a fire in 2001

Meat closed after a fire in 2001 Meat closed after a fire in 2001

and never reopened. The loss of two and never reopened. The loss of two

and never reopened. The loss of two major employers and hundreds of a

major employers and hundreds of a major employers and hundreds of a

full-time jobs with union protected full-time jobs with union protected

full-time jobs with union protected wages and conditions has had a

wages and conditions has had a wages and conditions has had a

devastating impact on the local devastating impact on the local

devastating impact on the local economy. Barry says that the

economy. Barry says that the economy. Barry says that the

economy. Barry says that the decline of a Taunton as a factory

decline of a Taunton as a factory decline of a Taunton as a factory

decline of a Taunton as a factory town is plain to see on its streets.

town is plain to see on its streets. town is plain to see on its streets.

town is plain to see on its streets. The bookies shops are gone and the

The bookies shops are gone and the The bookies shops are gone and the

newsagents are gone. The ice-cream newsagents are gone. The ice-cream

newsagents are gone. The ice-cream is gone and the hairdressers are

is gone and the hairdressers are is gone and the hairdressers are

gone. Some shops have shut because gone. Some shops have shut because

of competition from supermarkets, of competition from supermarkets,

of competition from supermarkets, but businesses like the creamery

but businesses like the creamery but businesses like the creamery

have abandoned Torrington and moved have abandoned Torrington and moved

have abandoned Torrington and moved up country. The businesses that

up country. The businesses that up country. The businesses that

were there have found it last were there have found it last

were there have found it last reasonable to say in that area

reasonable to say in that area reasonable to say in that area

reasonable to say in that area because they want to be near the

because they want to be near the transport system. Wiseman Dairies

transport system. Wiseman Dairies once owned Torrington's creamery,

once owned Torrington's creamery, once owned Torrington's creamery,

but now operates from this giant but now operates from this giant

but now operates from this giant new plant alongside the M5 at

new plant alongside the M5 at Bridgwater. In many ways,

Bridgwater. In many ways, Bridgwater. In many ways,

Torrington is typical of much of Torrington is typical of much of

Torrington is typical of much of Torrington is typical of much of

the South West. It is basically in the South West. It is basically in

the South West. It is basically in the wrong place. Rural areas

the wrong place. Rural areas the wrong place. Rural areas

generally are the areas which are generally are the areas which are

generally are the areas which are suffering more at the moment than

suffering more at the moment than suffering more at the moment than

other places. The location of other places. The location of

other places. The location of Torrington put it in between two

Torrington put it in between two Torrington put it in between two

Torrington put it in between two worlds. It is not very close to the

worlds. It is not very close to the worlds. It is not very close to the

transport system or her the markets transport system or her the markets

transport system or her the markets transport system or her the markets

and it is not in Cornwall where it and it is not in Cornwall where it

and it is not in Cornwall where it would get more help regret systems.

would get more help regret systems. would get more help regret systems.

-- through current systems. But one -- through current systems. But one

-- through current systems. But one factory has managed to buck the

factory has managed to buck the trend. Darlington Crystal was

trend. Darlington Crystal was established here with government

established here with government established here with government

assistance nearly 50 years ago. assistance nearly 50 years ago.

This highly skilled workforce, This highly skilled workforce,

This highly skilled workforce, earning upwards of �500 per week,

earning upwards of �500 per week, earning upwards of �500 per week,

has prevented the company from has prevented the company from

has prevented the company from following others to the M5 corridor.

following others to the M5 corridor. following others to the M5 corridor.

We are not a primary processing We are not a primary processing

We are not a primary processing industry with skills that can be

industry with skills that can be industry with skills that can be

transferred to other parts of the transferred to other parts of the

transferred to other parts of the transferred to other parts of the

country. We have a set of skilled country. We have a set of skilled

country. We have a set of skilled country. We have a set of skilled

people but a quite specific and add people but a quite specific and add

people but a quite specific and add people but a quite specific and add

some value to what we do -- that some value to what we do -- that

some value to what we do -- that are quite specific and add some

are quite specific and add some are quite specific and add some

are quite specific and add some value to what we do. But that is

value to what we do. But that is value to what we do. But that is

with the greatly reduced workforce. with the greatly reduced workforce.

with the greatly reduced workforce. At its peak, the factory employed

At its peak, the factory employed At its peak, the factory employed

At its peak, the factory employed more than 400 people. Today, it has

more than 400 people. Today, it has more than 400 people. Today, it has

130. Like this bottle made in 130. Like this bottle made in

130. Like this bottle made in Poland, much of what Darlington

Poland, much of what Darlington Crystal's -- Darlington Crystal

Crystal's -- Darlington Crystal Crystal's -- Darlington Crystal

Crystal's -- Darlington Crystal cells is now made abroad. For much

cells is now made abroad. For much cells is now made abroad. For much

cells is now made abroad. For much of our lives we have made crystal

of our lives we have made crystal of our lives we have made crystal

of our lives we have made crystal and class that we have made here,

and class that we have made here, and class that we have made here,

but in recent years, the survival but in recent years, the survival

but in recent years, the survival but in recent years, the survival

of the business meant that was not of the business meant that was not

of the business meant that was not sustainable, so we have got very

sustainable, so we have got very sustainable, so we have got very

good at designing and selling good at designing and selling

good at designing and selling things that other people have made

things that other people have made things that other people have made

for us in Europe, particularly for us in Europe, particularly

central Europe. Traditionally, that central Europe. Traditionally, that

central Europe. Traditionally, that central Europe. Traditionally, that

has been a lower cost place to have has been a lower cost place to have

has been a lower cost place to have things made. Around half of the

things made. Around half of the things made. Around half of the

company's M-class is now made company's M-class is now made

company's M-class is now made overseas because wages in parts of

overseas because wages in parts of overseas because wages in parts of

Europe are even lower than in Europe are even lower than in

Europe are even lower than in Torridge. -- the Complete's glass.

Torridge. -- the Complete's glass. Torridge. -- the Complete's glass.

Altogether, more than 1,000 jobs Altogether, more than 1,000 jobs

Altogether, more than 1,000 jobs have disappeared since the Korean

have disappeared since the Korean have disappeared since the Korean

have disappeared since the Korean and the glass works were at their -

and the glass works were at their - and the glass works were at their -

and the glass works were at their - - the creamery and the glass works

- the creamery and the glass works - the creamery and the glass works

were at their peak production. were at their peak production.

were at their peak production. According to one expert, without

According to one expert, without According to one expert, without

the sort of assistance that brought the sort of assistance that brought

the sort of assistance that brought Darlington Crystal here, a reverse

Darlington Crystal here, a reverse Darlington Crystal here, a reverse

Darlington Crystal here, a reverse in the decline of the area looks

in the decline of the area looks in the decline of the area looks

unlikely. It will not change unlikely. It will not change

unlikely. It will not change dramatically in the short term. The

dramatically in the short term. The dramatically in the short term. The

dramatically in the short term. The links have to be better to other

links have to be better to other links have to be better to other

parts of the economy. The restraint parts of the economy. The restraint

parts of the economy. The restraint on the government budget, it would

on the government budget, it would on the government budget, it would

on the government budget, it would be surprising if they got any help

be surprising if they got any help be surprising if they got any help

be surprising if they got any help Andy near-term. A new jobs are --

Andy near-term. A new jobs are -- Andy near-term. A new jobs are --

Andy near-term. A new jobs are -- in the near term. New jobs are

in the near term. New jobs are in the near term. New jobs are

being created here, but not the being created here, but not the

being created here, but not the being created here, but not the

kind that will move it from the kind that will move it from the

kind that will move it from the kind that will move it from the

bottom of the pay league. This new bottom of the pay league. This new

bottom of the pay league. This new nursing home employees 90 staff,

nursing home employees 90 staff, nursing home employees 90 staff,

but many care workers, including but many care workers, including

but many care workers, including here at Hatchmoor, are employed at

here at Hatchmoor, are employed at here at Hatchmoor, are employed at

here at Hatchmoor, are employed at or near the minimum wage. As the 19

or near the minimum wage. As the 19 or near the minimum wage. As the 19

employees at this soap factory are employees at this soap factory are

employees at this soap factory are employees at this soap factory are

paid �7 an hour, nearly �1 above paid �7 an hour, nearly �1 above

paid �7 an hour, nearly �1 above paid �7 an hour, nearly �1 above

the minimum, but that is still not the minimum, but that is still not

the minimum, but that is still not the minimum, but that is still not

enough to get them at the �310 enough to get them at the �310

enough to get them at the �310 basic weekly average for Torridge.

basic weekly average for Torridge. basic weekly average for Torridge.

basic weekly average for Torridge. The owner says that low wages are

The owner says that low wages are The owner says that low wages are

The owner says that low wages are good for him and the people of

good for him and the people of good for him and the people of

Torrington. We get to employ more Torrington. We get to employ more

Torrington. We get to employ more Torrington. We get to employ more

people to do more work with success people to do more work with success

people to do more work with success of overheads -- without success of

of overheads -- without success of of overheads -- without success of

overheads. That is what makes it overheads. That is what makes it

overheads. That is what makes it more successful to run a business

more successful to run a business more successful to run a business

here than other parts of the here than other parts of the

here than other parts of the country. If we had higher overheads,

country. If we had higher overheads, country. If we had higher overheads,

country. If we had higher overheads, we may not have the business that

we may not have the business that we may not have the business that

we have now. But low-paid we have now. But low-paid

translates into low-spending power, translates into low-spending power,

translates into low-spending power, translates into low-spending power,

and Kate is worried that when she and Kate is worried that when she

and Kate is worried that when she and Kate is worried that when she

set up her business, the people of set up her business, the people of

set up her business, the people of Torrington might not be able to

Torrington might not be able to Torrington might not be able to

offer her services. It may mean offer her services. It may mean

offer her services. It may mean offer her services. It may mean

that I have to leave the area so that I have to leave the area so

that I have to leave the area so that I have to leave the area so

that I have people that can pay for that I have people that can pay for

that I have people that can pay for that I have people that can pay for

my services. -- might not be able my services. -- might not be able

my services. -- might not be able my services. -- might not be able

to pay for her services. I have to pay for her services. I have

to pay for her services. I have to pay for her services. I have

made this my home for 10 years and made this my home for 10 years and

made this my home for 10 years and made this my home for 10 years and

made this my home for 10 years and it is my home. I do not want to

it is my home. I do not want to it is my home. I do not want to

it is my home. I do not want to leave, but what do you do? Without

leave, but what do you do? Without leave, but what do you do? Without

more investment, Torridge faces a more investment, Torridge faces a

more investment, Torridge faces a more investment, Torridge faces a

5th year at the bottom of the 5th year at the bottom of the

5th year at the bottom of the national pay league. Many more who

national pay league. Many more who national pay league. Many more who

call Torridge home of might face call Torridge home of might face

call Torridge home of might face tough traces about where their

We are blessed in the south-west We are blessed in the south-west

We are blessed in the south-west with a wonderful coastline, rich in

with a wonderful coastline, rich in with a wonderful coastline, rich in

wildlife. But the plight of wildlife. But the plight of

wildlife. But the plight of hundreds of guillemots washed up

hundreds of guillemots washed up hundreds of guillemots washed up

along our south coast has really along our south coast has really

along our south coast has really brought home how vulnerable some of

brought home how vulnerable some of brought home how vulnerable some of

our special reserves are. Nick our special reserves are. Nick

our special reserves are. Nick our special reserves are. Nick

Baker has been to one in Dorset to Baker has been to one in Dorset to

find out more. find out more.

Chesil Beach, unmistakable and Chesil Beach, unmistakable and

Chesil Beach, unmistakable and unique. But home last week to

unique. But home last week to unique. But home last week to

distressing scenes as more than 100 distressing scenes as more than 100

distressing scenes as more than 100 guillemots were washed up here and

guillemots were washed up here and guillemots were washed up here and

on neighbouring Portland Bill. They on neighbouring Portland Bill. They

on neighbouring Portland Bill. They on neighbouring Portland Bill. They

were covered in a type of mineral were covered in a type of mineral

were covered in a type of mineral oil and, as experts begin to

oil and, as experts begin to oil and, as experts begin to

investigate the source of the investigate the source of the

investigate the source of the pollution, rescue teams could only

pollution, rescue teams could only pollution, rescue teams could only

pollution, rescue teams could only work as hard as they could to save

work as hard as they could to save work as hard as they could to save

any that had not already succumbed. any that had not already succumbed.

any that had not already succumbed. any that had not already succumbed.

any that had not already succumbed. But I have come here to see a place

But I have come here to see a place But I have come here to see a place

that has been protected from these that has been protected from these

pollutants, because Chesil Beach pollutants, because Chesil Beach

pollutants, because Chesil Beach itself acts as a giant barrier.

itself acts as a giant barrier. itself acts as a giant barrier.

itself acts as a giant barrier. From up here, you can get a really

From up here, you can get a really From up here, you can get a really

From up here, you can get a really good sense of the layout of this

good sense of the layout of this good sense of the layout of this

landscape. You can see quite landscape. You can see quite

landscape. You can see quite clearly the shingle ridge that

clearly the shingle ridge that clearly the shingle ridge that

separates the ocean from this eight separates the ocean from this eight

separates the ocean from this eight mile long strip of water. That

mile long strip of water. That mile long strip of water. That

mile long strip of water. That there is a very special place. That

there is a very special place. That there is a very special place. That

there is a very special place. That there is the Fleet Lagoon. It is

there is the Fleet Lagoon. It is there is the Fleet Lagoon. It is

there is the Fleet Lagoon. It is the largest saline lagoon in the UK.

the largest saline lagoon in the UK. the largest saline lagoon in the UK.

the largest saline lagoon in the UK. It is also one of Europe's most

It is also one of Europe's most important nature reserves. This

important nature reserves. This important nature reserves. This

special and diverse place is looked special and diverse place is looked

special and diverse place is looked special and diverse place is looked

after by warden Don Moxon. This is after by warden Don Moxon. This is

after by warden Don Moxon. This is after by warden Don Moxon. This is

the start of our day on the Fleet, the start of our day on the Fleet,

the start of our day on the Fleet, the start of our day on the Fleet,

this is the view of the Fleet that this is the view of the Fleet that

this is the view of the Fleet that most people will be familiar with,

most people will be familiar with, most people will be familiar with,

right next to the road? Absolutely. right next to the road? Absolutely.

right next to the road? Absolutely. right next to the road? Absolutely.

Lots of people pass by, it is the Lots of people pass by, it is the

Lots of people pass by, it is the link of the Fleet Lagoon into

link of the Fleet Lagoon into link of the Fleet Lagoon into

Portland Harbour where all the Portland Harbour where all the

Portland Harbour where all the tidal water comes in, surges up

tidal water comes in, surges up tidal water comes in, surges up

tidal water comes in, surges up through here. It is a very busy

through here. It is a very busy through here. It is a very busy

little place. The analogy often little place. The analogy often

little place. The analogy often little place. The analogy often

used for wetlands like this is that used for wetlands like this is that

used for wetlands like this is that it is a motorway service station

it is a motorway service station it is a motorway service station

for birds and migration. If this for birds and migration. If this

for birds and migration. If this was a motorway service station,

was a motorway service station, was a motorway service station,

was a motorway service station, this has got to be one of those

this has got to be one of those this has got to be one of those

super deluxe ones. One that caters super deluxe ones. One that caters

super deluxe ones. One that caters for every possible taste. Yes, this

for every possible taste. Yes, this for every possible taste. Yes, this

for every possible taste. Yes, this is true. Because you have got this

is true. Because you have got this is true. Because you have got this

variety of seabed, because you have variety of seabed, because you have

variety of seabed, because you have got this variety of food sources,

got this variety of food sources, got this variety of food sources,

got this variety of food sources, you are going to get a variety of

you are going to get a variety of you are going to get a variety of

ducks, geese and, of course here, ducks, geese and, of course here,

ducks, geese and, of course here, ducks, geese and, of course here,

on the sandflat, this is where you on the sandflat, this is where you

on the sandflat, this is where you on the sandflat, this is where you

are going to get the waders, the are going to get the waders, the

are going to get the waders, the migrating birds. They are coming in

migrating birds. They are coming in migrating birds. They are coming in

migrating birds. They are coming in here to actually feed on the sand

here to actually feed on the sand here to actually feed on the sand

here to actually feed on the sand A lot of these birds have different

A lot of these birds have different bill lengths, different bill

bill lengths, different bill bill lengths, different bill

designs, and that is because they designs, and that is because they

designs, and that is because they designs, and that is because they

are all feeding in a different way. are all feeding in a different way.

are all feeding in a different way. Interestingly enough, we have got

Interestingly enough, we have got Interestingly enough, we have got

these smallest of waders, the these smallest of waders, the

these smallest of waders, the these smallest of waders, the

dunlin there. They are one of the dunlin there. They are one of the

dunlin there. They are one of the species that can adapt to different

species that can adapt to different species that can adapt to different

conditions in different ways. What conditions in different ways. What

conditions in different ways. What they are basically doing is probing

they are basically doing is probing they are basically doing is probing

the mud, the sand for any the mud, the sand for any

the mud, the sand for any invertebrate at all. If it gets

invertebrate at all. If it gets invertebrate at all. If it gets

invertebrate at all. If it gets lucky and hits gold, hits a worm or

lucky and hits gold, hits a worm or lucky and hits gold, hits a worm or

a small shrimp or something like a small shrimp or something like

a small shrimp or something like a small shrimp or something like

that, it has worked. We have got a that, it has worked. We have got a

that, it has worked. We have got a ringed plover, which is one of

ringed plover, which is one of ringed plover, which is one of

those sight hunting birds, it has those sight hunting birds, it has

those sight hunting birds, it has those sight hunting birds, it has

got very big eyes. It is quite got very big eyes. It is quite

got very big eyes. It is quite unusual. It is not just dashing

unusual. It is not just dashing unusual. It is not just dashing

unusual. It is not just dashing around on the mud using its eyes to

around on the mud using its eyes to around on the mud using its eyes to

spot things. It is actually tipping spot things. It is actually tipping

spot things. It is actually tipping spot things. It is actually tipping

the scales in its own favour by the scales in its own favour by

the scales in its own favour by the scales in its own favour by

doing this weird little thing. I doing this weird little thing. I

assume this foot vibration, assume this foot vibration,

assume this foot vibration, agitating the surface of the mud,

agitating the surface of the mud, agitating the surface of the mud,

is enough to disturb small is enough to disturb small

is enough to disturb small invertebrates or bring them to the

invertebrates or bring them to the invertebrates or bring them to the

invertebrates or bring them to the At this time of year when the

At this time of year when the At this time of year when the

At this time of year when the weather has been so cold, it is a

weather has been so cold, it is a weather has been so cold, it is a

race to hoover up enough calories race to hoover up enough calories

race to hoover up enough calories race to hoover up enough calories

just to keep going. Just look at just to keep going. Just look at

just to keep going. Just look at this sanderling go. The waders are

this sanderling go. The waders are this sanderling go. The waders are

relatively common, but just behind relatively common, but just behind

relatively common, but just behind relatively common, but just behind

the sand flats is a very rare the sand flats is a very rare

the sand flats is a very rare little bird in a rather unlikely

little bird in a rather unlikely little bird in a rather unlikely

little bird in a rather unlikely spot. This is quite hard to believe,

spot. This is quite hard to believe, spot. This is quite hard to believe,

spot. This is quite hard to believe, I know, but this is the site of

I know, but this is the site of I know, but this is the site of

I know, but this is the site of probably the best bird we are going

probably the best bird we are going probably the best bird we are going

probably the best bird we are going to see today. There is a snow

to see today. There is a snow to see today. There is a snow

bunting knocking around. Yes. bunting knocking around. Yes.

bunting knocking around. Yes. here, outside the Chesil Beach

here, outside the Chesil Beach here, outside the Chesil Beach

Centre, on this landscaped mound Centre, on this landscaped mound

Centre, on this landscaped mound here, which is where this

here, which is where this here, which is where this

delightful little bird has been for delightful little bird has been for

delightful little bird has been for the last three months. Right next

the last three months. Right next the last three months. Right next

to the road and everything. It's to the road and everything. It's

to the road and everything. It's to the road and everything. It's

about as urban as it gets in this about as urban as it gets in this

about as urban as it gets in this about as urban as it gets in this

part of the world. People have been part of the world. People have been

part of the world. People have been part of the world. People have been

getting so close to it. It is getting so close to it. It is

getting so close to it. It is unbelievable. The bird is just

unbelievable. The bird is just unbelievable. The bird is just

hopping around, feeding itself and hopping around, feeding itself and

hopping around, feeding itself and hopping around, feeding itself and

when it has had enough, it just when it has had enough, it just

when it has had enough, it just when it has had enough, it just

flies off to roost. That is what flies off to roost. That is what

flies off to roost. That is what flies off to roost. That is what

buntings do. It is basically a big buntings do. It is basically a big

buntings do. It is basically a big cereal packet for a bunting. It

cereal packet for a bunting. It cereal packet for a bunting. It

cereal packet for a bunting. It does not have to travel anywhere. I

does not have to travel anywhere. I does not have to travel anywhere. I

does not have to travel anywhere. I should imagine on a day like today

should imagine on a day like today should imagine on a day like today

when the temperatures are not too when the temperatures are not too

when the temperatures are not too when the temperatures are not too

far away from the sort of places it far away from the sort of places it

far away from the sort of places it would have thrived, such as Iceland.

would have thrived, such as Iceland. would have thrived, such as Iceland.

It's a beautiful little female. It's a beautiful little female.

It's a beautiful little female. Although they migrate south in the

Although they migrate south in the Although they migrate south in the

Although they migrate south in the winter, it is unusual to see them

winter, it is unusual to see them winter, it is unusual to see them

winter, it is unusual to see them this far south in Britain. So this

this far south in Britain. So this Moving a few miles west from the

Moving a few miles west from the Moving a few miles west from the

Moving a few miles west from the tidal end of the lagoon, the scene

tidal end of the lagoon, the scene tidal end of the lagoon, the scene

changes. The busy road and harbour changes. The busy road and harbour

changes. The busy road and harbour changes. The busy road and harbour

give way to arable land and fresh give way to arable land and fresh

It's in this brackish water that It's in this brackish water that

It's in this brackish water that eel grass thrives. In fact, the

eel grass thrives. In fact, the eel grass thrives. In fact, the

Fleet Lagoon has the largest Fleet Lagoon has the largest

Fleet Lagoon has the largest seagrass meadow in Britain and

seagrass meadow in Britain and seagrass meadow in Britain and

seagrass meadow in Britain and evidence of it is all along the

evidence of it is all along the evidence of it is all along the

evidence of it is all along the shore. This is it here. This long

shore. This is it here. This long shore. This is it here. This long

green stripe. This is actually a green stripe. This is actually a

green stripe. This is actually a cool little plant. This is actually

cool little plant. This is actually cool little plant. This is actually

a flowering plant. It's easy to a flowering plant. It's easy to

a flowering plant. It's easy to a flowering plant. It's easy to

think it might just be seaweed, but think it might just be seaweed, but

think it might just be seaweed, but think it might just be seaweed, but

seaweed is algae. This is a special seaweed is algae. This is a special

underwater flowering plant. Indeed, underwater flowering plant. Indeed,

underwater flowering plant. Indeed, underwater flowering plant. Indeed,

it has a flower. It is a lovely, it has a flower. It is a lovely,

tiny, lemony-yellow colour. Also, tiny, lemony-yellow colour. Also,

tiny, lemony-yellow colour. Also, after flowering, it sets seed. Of

after flowering, it sets seed. Of course, those seeds are

course, those seeds are particularly nutritious for

particularly nutritious for particularly nutritious for

particularly nutritious for wildfowl that come here and feed on

wildfowl that come here and feed on wildfowl that come here and feed on

it. Wildfowl like these Brent geese. it. Wildfowl like these Brent geese.

it. Wildfowl like these Brent geese. An amber list species because of

An amber list species because of An amber list species because of

the important numbers found at just the important numbers found at just

the important numbers found at just the important numbers found at just

a few sites like this. In fact, the a few sites like this. In fact, the

a few sites like this. In fact, the mid-Fleet is a thoroughfare for a

mid-Fleet is a thoroughfare for a mid-Fleet is a thoroughfare for a

whole host of wildfowl. There is whole host of wildfowl. There is

whole host of wildfowl. There is plenty of coming and going. Either

plenty of coming and going. Either plenty of coming and going. Either

they are on their big migrations, they are on their big migrations,

they are on their big migrations, or just finding sanctuary from

or just finding sanctuary from The Fleet is kind of a mysterious

The Fleet is kind of a mysterious The Fleet is kind of a mysterious

and magical place. Even today, even and magical place. Even today, even

and magical place. Even today, even and magical place. Even today, even

on a windy day like this, I still on a windy day like this, I still

on a windy day like this, I still can hear right across the other

can hear right across the other can hear right across the other

can hear right across the other side of the Fleet and over the

side of the Fleet and over the side of the Fleet and over the

side of the Fleet and over the shingle bank, I can hear the sea

shingle bank, I can hear the sea shingle bank, I can hear the sea

and all its treachery, all those and all its treachery, all those

and all its treachery, all those currents and undertows are right

currents and undertows are right currents and undertows are right

there. It is this landscape and there. It is this landscape and

there. It is this landscape and that ocean that inspired J Falkner

that ocean that inspired J Falkner that ocean that inspired J Falkner

that ocean that inspired J Falkner to write his 1898 novel all about

to write his 1898 novel all about pirates and smugglers called

pirates and smugglers called pirates and smugglers called

pirates and smugglers called Moonfleet. I am going to read you a

Moonfleet. I am going to read you a Moonfleet. I am going to read you a

little passage here. He says, "The little passage here. He says, "The

little passage here. He says, "The lake is good for nothing except

lake is good for nothing except lake is good for nothing except

seafowl, herons and oysters." He seafowl, herons and oysters." He

seafowl, herons and oysters." He clearly was not much of a

clearly was not much of a clearly was not much of a

naturalist, because as far as I'm naturalist, because as far as I'm

naturalist, because as far as I'm concerned, that's pretty much all

concerned, that's pretty much all concerned, that's pretty much all

concerned, that's pretty much all concerned, that's pretty much all

you want out of a good lake. But I you want out of a good lake. But I

you want out of a good lake. But I you want out of a good lake. But I

will carry on. "It forms such a will carry on. "It forms such a

will carry on. "It forms such a will carry on. "It forms such a

place as they call in the Indies a place as they call in the Indies a

place as they call in the Indies a lagoon, being shut off from the

lagoon, being shut off from the lagoon, being shut off from the

open channel by a monstrous great open channel by a monstrous great

open channel by a monstrous great open channel by a monstrous great

beach or dyke of pebbles. It is beach or dyke of pebbles. It is

beach or dyke of pebbles. It is beach or dyke of pebbles. It is

that suck back of pebbles that you that suck back of pebbles that you

that suck back of pebbles that you that suck back of pebbles that you

may hear for miles inland, even at may hear for miles inland, even at

may hear for miles inland, even at Dorchester, and which makes people

Dorchester, and which makes people Dorchester, and which makes people

Dorchester, and which makes people turn in their beds and thank God

turn in their beds and thank God turn in their beds and thank God

turn in their beds and thank God they are not fighting with the sea

they are not fighting with the sea Luckily, this fragile environment

Luckily, this fragile environment Luckily, this fragile environment

Luckily, this fragile environment is in good hands. My journey ends

is in good hands. My journey ends is in good hands. My journey ends

at Abbotsbury Swannery at the most at Abbotsbury Swannery at the most

at Abbotsbury Swannery at the most westerly part of the lagoon. Steve

westerly part of the lagoon. Steve westerly part of the lagoon. Steve

westerly part of the lagoon. Steve Groves keeps a watchful eye on the

Groves keeps a watchful eye on the Groves keeps a watchful eye on the

Groves keeps a watchful eye on the birds here. What is it about this

birds here. What is it about this birds here. What is it about this

birds here. What is it about this end of the Fleet that is unique as

end of the Fleet that is unique as end of the Fleet that is unique as

end of the Fleet that is unique as far as you are concerned? It is the

far as you are concerned? It is the far as you are concerned? It is the

far as you are concerned? It is the freshest end of the lagoon. We get

freshest end of the lagoon. We get freshest end of the lagoon. We get

freshest end of the lagoon. We get a lot of run-off from the hills

a lot of run-off from the hills a lot of run-off from the hills

behind us. It is virtually almost behind us. It is virtually almost

behind us. It is virtually almost behind us. It is virtually almost

pure fresh water. That is why most pure fresh water. That is why most

pure fresh water. That is why most pure fresh water. That is why most

of the water birds prefer to at of the water birds prefer to at

of the water birds prefer to at of the water birds prefer to at

least roost up this end and a lot least roost up this end and a lot

least roost up this end and a lot least roost up this end and a lot

of them nest at this end. Would you of them nest at this end. Would you

of them nest at this end. Would you say this is a nationally

say this is a nationally significant location for wildlife?

significant location for wildlife? significant location for wildlife?

Certainly. Several of the species Certainly. Several of the species

are internationally important are internationally important

are internationally important numbers on the lagoon. The mute

numbers on the lagoon. The mute numbers on the lagoon. The mute

numbers on the lagoon. The mute swan being one of them. Also, dark

swan being one of them. Also, dark swan being one of them. Also, dark

bellied Brent geese, quite an bellied Brent geese, quite an

bellied Brent geese, quite an important site for those. And

important site for those. And important site for those. And

several other species as well. We several other species as well. We

several other species as well. We several other species as well. We

several other species as well. We get a lot of duck coming in for the

get a lot of duck coming in for the get a lot of duck coming in for the

get a lot of duck coming in for the winter. In this bay, we always have

winter. In this bay, we always have winter. In this bay, we always have

a large number of potchard, about a large number of potchard, about

a large number of potchard, about a large number of potchard, about

500 or 600. We always have quite a 500 or 600. We always have quite a

500 or 600. We always have quite a 500 or 600. We always have quite a

few tufted duck. That's what we can few tufted duck. That's what we can

few tufted duck. That's what we can few tufted duck. That's what we can

see out there now. The two diving see out there now. The two diving

see out there now. The two diving duck species we have got bobbing

duck species we have got bobbing duck species we have got bobbing

around on this very choppy lagoon. around on this very choppy lagoon.

around on this very choppy lagoon. around on this very choppy lagoon.

around on this very choppy lagoon. Yes, they are a bit put out we are

Yes, they are a bit put out we are Yes, they are a bit put out we are

not actually feeding in the lagoon not actually feeding in the lagoon

not actually feeding in the lagoon not actually feeding in the lagoon

today. It is too rough for the today. It is too rough for the

today. It is too rough for the today. It is too rough for the

swans to get the wheat. But I'll swans to get the wheat. But I'll

swans to get the wheat. But I'll make sure they get some later.

make sure they get some later. make sure they get some later.

Against the odds, the Fleet Lagoon Against the odds, the Fleet Lagoon

Against the odds, the Fleet Lagoon is surviving the pressures of the

is surviving the pressures of the is surviving the pressures of the

modern world and remains a precious modern world and remains a precious

modern world and remains a precious refuge. If only we could preserve

refuge. If only we could preserve refuge. If only we could preserve

refuge. If only we could preserve what lies on the seaward side of

what lies on the seaward side of what lies on the seaward side of

Well, as Nick found out at Chesil, Well, as Nick found out at Chesil,

Well, as Nick found out at Chesil, our coastline can pack a mighty

our coastline can pack a mighty our coastline can pack a mighty

our coastline can pack a mighty punch when it comes to the weather.

punch when it comes to the weather. punch when it comes to the weather.

We've been harnessing the power of We've been harnessing the power of

We've been harnessing the power of the wind for generations, but what

the wind for generations, but what the wind for generations, but what

the wind for generations, but what about the sea itself? We have been

about the sea itself? We have been about the sea itself? We have been

about the sea itself? We have been finding out how the South West is

finding out how the South West is finding out how the South West is

at the crest of a wave-energy It might not look much but, for

It might not look much but, for It might not look much but, for

Alvin Smith, an inventor from Alvin Smith, an inventor from

Dartmouth, this strange-looking Dartmouth, this strange-looking

Dartmouth, this strange-looking device has the potential to change

device has the potential to change device has the potential to change

the world. All inspired by a the world. All inspired by a

the world. All inspired by a childhood present from his mum.

childhood present from his mum. childhood present from his mum.

childhood present from his mum. came back with this great big box,

came back with this great big box, came back with this great big box,

came back with this great big box, it must have been two foot long and

it must have been two foot long and it must have been two foot long and

a foot either way, absolutely full a foot either way, absolutely full

a foot either way, absolutely full of second-hand Meccano. It had

of second-hand Meccano. It had of second-hand Meccano. It had

every brass gear, wheel, bevel gear, every brass gear, wheel, bevel gear,

every brass gear, wheel, bevel gear, every brass gear, wheel, bevel gear,

spiral gear in there. And in no spiral gear in there. And in no

spiral gear in there. And in no time at all, I realised what

time at all, I realised what time at all, I realised what

gearing does, how you can make mechanical structures,

mechanical structures, mechanical structures,

triangulation, tubes, all sorts of triangulation, tubes, all sorts of

triangulation, tubes, all sorts of triangulation, tubes, all sorts of

things, gear ratios. And it was the things, gear ratios. And it was the

love of my life. love of my life.

love of my life. love of my life.

Alvin went to work in his dad's Alvin went to work in his dad's

Alvin went to work in his dad's garage after leaving school at 14

garage after leaving school at 14 garage after leaving school at 14

with no qualifications. He went on with no qualifications. He went on

with no qualifications. He went on with no qualifications. He went on

to become a mechanic and a rally to become a mechanic and a rally

to become a mechanic and a rally driver. But his big idea came

driver. But his big idea came driver. But his big idea came

playing in a swimming pool. playing in a swimming pool.

playing in a swimming pool. playing in a swimming pool.

Bouncing a ball around in the water, Bouncing a ball around in the water,

Bouncing a ball around in the water, I realised the buoyancy had

I realised the buoyancy had I realised the buoyancy had

I realised the buoyancy had potential. If I could put this on a

potential. If I could put this on a potential. If I could put this on a

thing like a bicycle pump, the thing like a bicycle pump, the

thing like a bicycle pump, the waves and the troughs of water

waves and the troughs of water waves and the troughs of water

coming through would operate this coming through would operate this

coming through would operate this coming through would operate this

and we'd have a plunging pump. That and we'd have a plunging pump. That

and we'd have a plunging pump. That is where Searaser was born.

is where Searaser was born. is where Searaser was born.

Searasers pump water ashore uphill Searasers pump water ashore uphill

Searasers pump water ashore uphill Searasers pump water ashore uphill

to a reservoir or tank, then it is to a reservoir or tank, then it is

back to tried-and-tested hydroelectric power.

hydroelectric power. hydroelectric power.

Release the water and turn the Release the water and turn the

turbine, creating renewable energy turbine, creating renewable energy

turbine, creating renewable energy on demand. An impressive theory, so

on demand. An impressive theory, so on demand. An impressive theory, so

much so that three local much so that three local

businessmen invested �70,000 to businessmen invested �70,000 to

businessmen invested �70,000 to allow Alvin to develop this

allow Alvin to develop this allow Alvin to develop this

prototype. A prototype that, in prototype. A prototype that, in

prototype. A prototype that, in 2009, they tested off the South

We were making electricity at We were making electricity at

We were making electricity at Blackpool Sands. We were pumping

Blackpool Sands. We were pumping Blackpool Sands. We were pumping

Blackpool Sands. We were pumping seawater from a very calm sea and

seawater from a very calm sea and seawater from a very calm sea and

we were producing energy. We had we were producing energy. We had

we were producing energy. We had we were producing energy. We had

10,000 litres of water at 20 metres 10,000 litres of water at 20 metres

10,000 litres of water at 20 metres 10,000 litres of water at 20 metres

head and we were able to open the head and we were able to open the

head and we were able to open the head and we were able to open the

valve and produce, in that case, a valve and produce, in that case, a

valve and produce, in that case, a kilowatt of electricity, but it

kilowatt of electricity, but it kilowatt of electricity, but it

kilowatt of electricity, but it could have been a lot more. Water

could have been a lot more. Water could have been a lot more. Water

is on. Excellent. Simplicity. That is on. Excellent. Simplicity. That

is on. Excellent. Simplicity. That is on. Excellent. Simplicity. That

is where we are coming from. The is where we are coming from. The

is where we are coming from. The device is so simple, people cannot

device is so simple, people cannot believe it works.

Excellent. Well done. Excellent. Well done.

Excellent. Well done. We thought the world would come

We thought the world would come running. But something peculiar

running. But something peculiar running. But something peculiar

running. But something peculiar happened, it didn't. I had no idea

happened, it didn't. I had no idea happened, it didn't. I had no idea

happened, it didn't. I had no idea it was going to be this difficult.

it was going to be this difficult. it was going to be this difficult.

it was going to be this difficult. But Alvin is not alone. Across the

But Alvin is not alone. Across the But Alvin is not alone. Across the

globe, there are hundreds of wave globe, there are hundreds of wave

globe, there are hundreds of wave energy devices in development. Some

energy devices in development. Some energy devices in development. Some

are still on the drawing board, are still on the drawing board,

are still on the drawing board, some, like Alvin's, prototypes. A

some, like Alvin's, prototypes. A some, like Alvin's, prototypes. A

few are undergoing full sea trials, few are undergoing full sea trials,

few are undergoing full sea trials, few are undergoing full sea trials,

but all of them are looking for but all of them are looking for

but all of them are looking for investment, to become the first in

investment, to become the first in investment, to become the first in

the race to commercially harness the race to commercially harness

the race to commercially harness Three years after his successful

Three years after his successful Three years after his successful

Three years after his successful testing, now it is a race that

testing, now it is a race that testing, now it is a race that

testing, now it is a race that Alvin has real hopes of being part

Alvin has real hopes of being part Alvin has real hopes of being part

of. Thanks to partner Rob of. Thanks to partner Rob

of. Thanks to partner Rob Misslebrook, he has found a

Misslebrook, he has found a potential investor who they're

potential investor who they're potential investor who they're

potential investor who they're potential investor who they're

about to meet. It is a big day for about to meet. It is a big day for

about to meet. It is a big day for us. I have waited five-and-a-half

us. I have waited five-and-a-half us. I have waited five-and-a-half

us. I have waited five-and-a-half years plus for this. I am hoping

years plus for this. I am hoping years plus for this. I am hoping

that today, we will receive the that today, we will receive the

that today, we will receive the that today, we will receive the

funding to start to build the first funding to start to build the first

Searaser, the first full-size Searaser, the first full-size

Searaser, the first full-size Searaser, the first full-size

Searaser. And Alvin is in the right Searaser. And Alvin is in the right

place to do that. place to do that.

place to do that. Earlier this year, the South West

Earlier this year, the South West became Britain's first Marine

became Britain's first Marine became Britain's first Marine

Energy Park, a sort of Silicon Energy Park, a sort of Silicon

Energy Park, a sort of Silicon Valley for marine renewables. Then

Valley for marine renewables. Then Valley for marine renewables. Then

Valley for marine renewables. Then there is Wave Hub. The only place

there is Wave Hub. The only place there is Wave Hub. The only place

in the world capable of connecting in the world capable of connecting

in the world capable of connecting multiple wave devices to the

multiple wave devices to the multiple wave devices to the

National Grid. It has put the National Grid. It has put the

National Grid. It has put the National Grid. It has put the

region at the heart of the race for region at the heart of the race for

region at the heart of the race for clean energy from the ocean. Johnny

clean energy from the ocean. Johnny clean energy from the ocean. Johnny

Gowdy is the man in charge. Gowdy is the man in charge.

Gowdy is the man in charge. Gowdy is the man in charge.

The South West has got itself in a The South West has got itself in a

The South West has got itself in a very good position. In the short

very good position. In the short very good position. In the short

very good position. In the short term, I suppose, the prize is to

term, I suppose, the prize is to term, I suppose, the prize is to

establish ourselves as a centre of establish ourselves as a centre of

establish ourselves as a centre of research and development and also

research and development and also research and development and also

to exploit the resources that we to exploit the resources that we

to exploit the resources that we have to generate clean energy for

have to generate clean energy for have to generate clean energy for

have to generate clean energy for the South West. But that is very

the South West. But that is very the South West. But that is very

much the short-term prize. The much the short-term prize. The

much the short-term prize. The long-term prize is to create an

long-term prize is to create an long-term prize is to create an

industry which is an export industry which is an export

industry which is an export industry, where we can take our

industry, where we can take our skills, our knowledge, our

skills, our knowledge, our skills, our knowledge, our

capability and sell that around the capability and sell that around the

capability and sell that around the world to places like Korea,

world to places like Korea, While Alvin dreams of exporting

While Alvin dreams of exporting While Alvin dreams of exporting

Searasers around the world, the Searasers around the world, the

Searasers around the world, the Searasers around the world, the

reality is that he needs a few reality is that he needs a few

reality is that he needs a few hundred thousand pounds to get the

hundred thousand pounds to get the hundred thousand pounds to get the

hundred thousand pounds to get the first one built. He has come here

first one built. He has come here first one built. He has come here

to Ecotricity - a green energy to Ecotricity - a green energy

to Ecotricity - a green energy company selling wind power direct

company selling wind power direct company selling wind power direct

company selling wind power direct to consumers - to pitch for the

to consumers - to pitch for the funding. Negotiations get underway

funding. Negotiations get underway Even if he gets his funding, Alvin

Even if he gets his funding, Alvin Even if he gets his funding, Alvin

is up against huge competition. is up against huge competition.

Shipping giant and energy Shipping giant and energy

Shipping giant and energy conglomerate Fred Olsen has already

conglomerate Fred Olsen has already conglomerate Fred Olsen has already

spent millions of pounds and years spent millions of pounds and years

spent millions of pounds and years of research in its efforts to

of research in its efforts to of research in its efforts to

generate electricity from the sea. generate electricity from the sea.

generate electricity from the sea. generate electricity from the sea.

Portland is a very nice place for a Portland is a very nice place for a

Portland is a very nice place for a sea trip. Poor for wave energy.

sea trip. Poor for wave energy. sea trip. Poor for wave energy.

Today, the company is in Falmouth. Today, the company is in Falmouth.

Today, the company is in Falmouth. Project manager Tore Gulli is here

Project manager Tore Gulli is here Project manager Tore Gulli is here

to inspect what they are calling to inspect what they are calling

to inspect what they are calling Lifesaver. It's the only wave

Lifesaver. It's the only wave Lifesaver. It's the only wave

energy device on test in south-west Wave energy has the potential to be

Wave energy has the potential to be a fundamental breakthrough in

a fundamental breakthrough in a fundamental breakthrough in

a fundamental breakthrough in society. I know that these are big

society. I know that these are big society. I know that these are big

society. I know that these are big words, but it is a huge energy

words, but it is a huge energy words, but it is a huge energy

words, but it is a huge energy resource which we need. You have to

resource which we need. You have to resource which we need. You have to

resource which we need. You have to pass that hurdle and make it a

pass that hurdle and make it a pass that hurdle and make it a

reality. No-one questioned the cost reality. No-one questioned the cost

reality. No-one questioned the cost reality. No-one questioned the cost

of the first plane. They saw this of the first plane. They saw this

had fundamental positive had fundamental positive

had fundamental positive implications for society. It is the

implications for society. It is the implications for society. It is the

implications for society. It is the same for wave energy. We have to

same for wave energy. We have to same for wave energy. We have to

same for wave energy. We have to have that vision, we want to fly.

have that vision, we want to fly. have that vision, we want to fly.

Lifesaver works like an inverted Lifesaver works like an inverted

Lifesaver works like an inverted yo-yo. As waves lift the device,

yo-yo. As waves lift the device, yo-yo. As waves lift the device,

cables connected to the seabed cables connected to the seabed

cables connected to the seabed drive turbines aboard the Lifesaver,

drive turbines aboard the Lifesaver, generating the electricity. It

generating the electricity. It generating the electricity. It

sounds simple, but it has taken sounds simple, but it has taken

sounds simple, but it has taken years and eight previous prototypes

years and eight previous prototypes to get this far.

to get this far. to get this far.

to get this far. We are now on the second but last

We are now on the second but last We are now on the second but last

step before going commercial. We step before going commercial. We

step before going commercial. We step before going commercial. We

still do not know whether this is still do not know whether this is

still do not know whether this is commercial. That is really what we

commercial. That is really what we commercial. That is really what we

are trying out here. We believe are trying out here. We believe

are trying out here. We believe are trying out here. We believe

that within two to five years, a that within two to five years, a

that within two to five years, a that within two to five years, a

small area of this type of devices small area of this type of devices

small area of this type of devices should be bobbing around, being

should be bobbing around, being should be bobbing around, being

grid connected at the Wave Hub. grid connected at the Wave Hub.

grid connected at the Wave Hub. That means, by 2015 onwards, the

That means, by 2015 onwards, the That means, by 2015 onwards, the

scenario is that we are generating scenario is that we are generating

electricity to the grid. electricity to the grid.

electricity to the grid. electricity to the grid.

If he is right, the revolution to If he is right, the revolution to

If he is right, the revolution to generate clean power from the ocean

generate clean power from the ocean generate clean power from the ocean

could be within sight. But will could be within sight. But will

could be within sight. But will Alvin, who invented Searaser in his

Alvin, who invented Searaser in his Alvin, who invented Searaser in his

Alvin, who invented Searaser in his workshop at home, be part of it?

workshop at home, be part of it? workshop at home, be part of it?

The meeting with Ecotricity's boss The meeting with Ecotricity's boss

The meeting with Ecotricity's boss The meeting with Ecotricity's boss

Dale Vince has overrun by more than How did it go? I'm absolutely

How did it go? I'm absolutely How did it go? I'm absolutely

delighted. Just a few things to delighted. Just a few things to

delighted. Just a few things to finalise and then we're there.

finalise and then we're there. finalise and then we're there.

Thanks to Dale. It's an importantly Thanks to Dale. It's an importantly

Thanks to Dale. It's an importantly Thanks to Dale. It's an importantly

large sum of money, but the money large sum of money, but the money

large sum of money, but the money does not matter more than the

does not matter more than the does not matter more than the

purpose that we are spending our purpose that we are spending our

purpose that we are spending our money and our time on.

money and our time on. money and our time on.

The purpose here is something that The purpose here is something that

The purpose here is something that can change the world. In that

can change the world. In that can change the world. In that

can change the world. In that context, this sum of money is very

small indeed. small indeed.

small indeed. Wave power is subsidised by the

Wave power is subsidised by the government. Something that critics

government. Something that critics say can encourage unrealistic

say can encourage unrealistic say can encourage unrealistic

projects. Alvin and Dale hope to projects. Alvin and Dale hope to

projects. Alvin and Dale hope to projects. Alvin and Dale hope to