The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo

by Lindsey Cole in Bristol, Bristol City, United Kingdom

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The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo is a film and citizen science project to help end river pollution.

by Lindsey Cole in Bristol, Bristol City, United Kingdom

Environment, Schools

Lindsey Cole

Lindsey Cole 13th November 2021

Optimism for the future of our rivers

"Hey Poo, get out of my river, yeh."

The last few weeks have been a proper rollercoaster. They call it 'ping ponging' when a bill goes back and forth from Lords to parliament, which is very aptly named, isn't it?!

This week gave us a new Environment Act. It's not the greatest Act that so many people worked so hard on writing, BUT I learned this week from impressive experts, that it's a much better Act thanks to all the thousands of wonderful people up and down the country who raised their voices alongside NGOs and Lords. I was pretty sad on Monday, after the government voted for a watered down version of the bill. It's sooo exhausting caring. But my friend, Michelle who's a rivers guru from The Rivers Trust , said now the government, water companies and polluters know that people are watching and know that we WILL hold them accountable.

#StoolBritannia #TurdReich #TurdWorldCountry were all trending on social media as us Brits welcomed world leaders to Glasgow and hosted COP26- a conference discussing what to do about this erm shitty climate situation.

Of course the government's wording in the bill "progressive reduction of discharges from storm over flows" versus the wording in the Wellington amendment- "ensure untreated sewage is NOT discharged from storm overflows" is far less promising. No time lines or targets were discussed. 'Reduction' could mean over hundreds of years. BUT what we do have on our side now is an army of genuine water supporters, better monitoring technology and active citizen scientists who will all be mobilised to hold the government and water companies to account. Which we all witnessed these last few weeks.

Thanks so much for being apart of this campaign and helping to end river pollution.

We have one week left our our crowdfund campaign. It would be amazing to get a hat trick by the end of the day to reach 75% of our target, £6000 and 200 supporters.

If you could share The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo campaign link on your social media and ask your friends to help end river pollution, I'd be otterly grateful.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-mermaid-the-otter-and-the-big-poo

Much love, Linds

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Rewards

This project offered rewards

£20 or more

Eco Stardust Virtual Launch Party

Throw on your eco stardust. Get your glad rags on. Or come dressed as something aquatic. We're having a virtual screening party and YOU'RE coming!! Yay! Don't we all need a good party?! I do! We'll screen the film, have fun and you'll get the chance to ask Lindsey and Charlotte any questions about The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo project. Included: Eco Glitter Dust sample, and a hand written thank you card. Party duration: 60 to 90 mins

£4 or more

This round is on me

Buy us a virtual pint. I'll get the next round when I see you next.

£5 or more

A whole l'otter love

We're sending you a whole l'otter love and gratitude for supporting us. Thank you so much.

£12 or more

The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo film

Thank you so much for supporting our project. You'll receive a link to watch The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo.

£15 or more

You're otterly mermazing

Thank you so much for your support. You will receive a handwritten 'You're otterly mermazing' thank you card; AND a link to the film.

£20 or more

Aint no party like a Mermaid,Otter & Big Poo party

Get your glad rags on. Or come dressed as something aquatic. We're having a virtual screening party and YOU'RE coming!! Yay! Don't we all need a good party?! We'll screen the film, have fun and you'll get the chance to ask Lindsey and Charlotte any questions about The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo project. Also included: a hand written thank you card. Party duration: 60 to 90 minutes

£25 or more

Can I have your Ottergraph please?

See your name on screen at the end of the credits and know that when your name pops up under the 'Special Thanks' section that you were a great part in making the project happen. Also included: a link to the virtual screen party and a handwritten thank you card.

£30 or more

The Mermaid and the Cow

As well as getting an invite to our virtual screen party, your name in the credits and a handwritten thank you card, you'll also receive a copy of The Mermaid and the Cow children's book, based on the true story of when Lindsey rescued a drowning cow whilst swimming the River Thames as a mermaid for a plastic awareness campaign.

£30 or more

I otter get a second name in the credits, please

Would your parter or little one get jealous if your name's in the credits and their's isn't? Fear not, they can enjoy watching their name pop up in the 'Special Thanks' bit at the end of the film too. Also included: link to the virtual launch party, and a handwritten thank you card.

£30 or more

You're otterly mermazing gift cards (set of 4)

You're otterly mermazing for supporting The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo. Why not send some otterly mermazing gift cards to people who you think are pretty great. Also included: name in the credits, handwritten thank you card, link to virtual screen party.

£35 or more

Children's book writing workshop

Have you or someone you know always wanted to write a children's book? Join me in a virtual workshop as I share everything I've learned over the last couple of years. We'll talk characters, plots, to rhyme or not rhyme and the structure to fit a 32 page classic children's picture book. Also included: Virtual screen party link, name in credits and handwritten thank you card. Duration: 90 minutes.

£35 or more

Crowdfunding workshop

Have you got a project you've always wanted to do, but been held back due to lack of funds. Get SHOUTING about it to everyone in this workshop, build your confidence and let's get you inspired to crowdfund that dream project of yours. I'll share everything I've learned in 2 crowdfund campaigns and give you the kick up the bottom to give it a go. Also included: name in credits, link to virtual party and handwritten thank you card.

£40 or more

Filmmaking workshop

Join Charlotte for a virtual filmmaking workshop where she'll share her experience filming in Iraq and all over the world, the ups and downs of 'run and gun' documentary shooting a mermaid and a giant poo and she can answer any questions you may have about your own personal film project. (Workshop class size: up to 12. Dur: 60 minutes). Also included: ticket to our virtual screen party; name in credits AND a handwritten thank you card

£47 or more

Bamboo Enduro Leggings

Bamboo Clothing's supportive Enduro fabric keeps you feeling and looking fantastic whatever the workout – meet the best performing sportswear in your wardrobe, which includes some brilliantly colourful prints. Normally RRP at £55. Reward also includes a link to watch The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo

£65 or more

School Storytelling workshop

Do you have a favourite teacher that deserves a timeout and some peace and quiet for a class period? Zoom me into their class room and I'll get their class to write their very own eco warrior stories, whilst the teacher can have a nice cup of a tea and some subtle Zzzs. Also included: a copy of The Mermaid and the Cow for the class. Duration: a class period.

£75 or more

Beam me up, mermaid

Nominate your favourite school and I'll virtually 'zoom' into their class room, show them The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo, and tell them all about being a mermaid and how they can help their local river. Duration: 60 minutes. Also included: a link to the virtual screen party, and a hand written thank you card.

£110 or more

Lake 32 Dry Robe

Treat yourself or a loved one to a Lake 32 branded Dryrobe. Also included: link to The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo, and your name in the credits

£150 or more

Come swim with me, come swim, come swim away

Join me for a swim along the Bristol Avon, where I'll teach you citizen science, how to track an otter, then we'll warm up over a campfire and cooked meal, fall asleep under the stars and wake up with a fresh dip, brew and breakfast. Also included: link to virtual screen party, name in the credits and hand written thank you card. Travel to Bristol Avon area not included.

£150 or more

Lake 32 annual memberships

Annual membership to Lake 32. Also included: a link to The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo film and your name in the credits.

£250 or more

Associate producer

Get your name in big lights and on the screen. Enjoy watching the credits (which we'll make otterly enjoyable) and know when your name pops up you've helped make this project happen. Also included: link to the virtual screen party and a hand written thank you card.

£350 or more

There's a mermaid in our school

Nominate your favourite school and I'll pop on my tail, swoosh through the sewage network and personally present The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo. I'll also teach them about citizen science and how they can look after their local river, yay! (Travel not included, but I don't swish through first class sewers so I'll be sure to keep the fare down!)

£500 or more

Executive director

See you name on the big screen. Enjoy those credit (we've made sure everyone will stay for the credits) and know that when your name pops up at the end you were a big part of making this project happen. Also included: Virtual screen party and handwritten thank you card.

£750 or more

There's a mermaid in my office

Have a word with HR and I'll come to your office to present The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo. I'll tell you all about the ups and downs of the journey, how I managed to soldier on with a dash of resilience after yakking my guts up; the team work of my support canoe crew; and how we're motivating schools and work places to get involved with citizen science and help end river pollution.

£1,000 or more

Hey boss, we're in a mermaid film

If your company believes in the cause of cleaning up our waterways then please pledge for this reward. Your company logo will go at the end of the credits and I'll come to your office, screen the film and tell you all about mermaiding the Avon with a big poo, whilst on the hunt for an elusive otter.

£25 or more

Lake 32 Wooly Hat and film

Stay warm this winter with a Lake 32 branded wooly hat that's also helped to fund a citizen science schools programme. Also included: link to The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo film.

£32 or more

Bristol Beer Factory- Gluten free- vegan (12 cans)

Each of BBF cans gets properly verified as gluten-free. Thanks to an enzyme used in the brewing process, there is less than 20ppm gluten in the beer - a tiny amount! They use vegan-friendly Super-F finings during filtration, so except for a couple of beers containing lactose (not included here) we can safely say their beer is vegan as well as GF. Package includes: 12 x 440ml cans (all vegan and gluten). Also includes link to film

£35 or more

Predator Otter Zoggs Goggles

I've struggled with so many goggle, but love Zoggs Predatory goggles. I used them to swim the Avon with my poo, the length of the Thames and all the events in between. Also included: name in credits, virtual screen party link, handwritten thank you card.

£35 or more

Otter Seachange wine pack- Red, White and Prosecco

Seachange combine their love of great wine with a desire to do something to help protect our oceans. Donations are made to marine charities from every bottle sold. They also have otter illustrations on their bottles, so I thought they were a great fit. You will receive a bottle of Prosecco and an organic red and white. Also includes: link to our screen party, name in credits and a handwritten thank you card.

£35 or more

Otter Spotting with Chris Hammond

Come otter spotting with Chris Hammond in the wilds of Clevedon, Somerset. Chris will teach you how to track, spot for spraint and otters' holts. Experience lasts for 3 hours. Must be 16 or older.

£35 or more

Otter Spotting with Chris Hammond

Come otter spotting with Chris Hammond in the wilds of Clevedon, Somerset. Chris will teach you how to track, spot for spraint and otters' holts. Experience lasts for 3 hours. Must be 16 or older.

£50 or more

Doggy Dryrobe

Look after your pooch this winter and wrap them up in a Dryrobe waterproof dog coat. Pippa's is the trendiest dog on the block in hers. At the end of the campaign I'll contact you for size and colour of design. Also include: link to virtual screen party, name in the credits and a handwritten thank you card.

£50 or more

Organic Towel dryrobe

Made from 100% organic cotton, Dryrobe's unique short length sleeve design allows you to use both hands to free yourself from the clutches of the super-stretch wetsuit, or get your kit off and back on without over-exposing yourself. You will be contacted by Dryrobe for size and colour choice. Also included: name in the credits, thank you card AND invite to our virtual screen launch.

£55 or more

Weleda Mermazing Skin Food package

Treat yourself to these Weleda goodies that save my skin after swimming outside. They also smell sooo nice. *Weleda Skin Food Body Butter 150ml, *Skin Food Original 75ml, *Skin Food Lip Balm 8ml, *Arnica Cooling Gel and *Arnica Muscle Soak Bath Milk 200ml. This package retails at £69, but you get it all for £55 PLUS our party invite, name in the credits AND a handwritten thank you card.

£65 or more

Handpainted favourite swim moment by Fiona Chivers

Artist, environmentalist and swimmer, Fiona Chivers, kindly got in touch to offer her artistic talents as a reward because she believes in the cause. She has offered to hand paint your favourite swimming moment so you can forever remember and frame it on your wall. They're normally £95 but you can get one for £65, and get your name in the credits and a link to our virtual screen party

£75 or more

Outdoor Swimmer magazine subscription for a year

The Outdoor Swimmer is the most wonderful magazine that represents the entire community. Whether you're training for your first mile, you want to know the best places to venture or you like to understand the environmental, historical or health sides of swimming, there are stories for everyone. Along with a year's worth of brilliant magazines you will also get a link to our launch party, name in the credits and a handwritten thank you card.

£80 or more

Swim Feral Bag

An outdoor swimming bag with an integrated insulated changing mat, designed by swimmers for swimmers, to keep your gear dry and your feet clean and warm in cold conditions. It's made on in the lovely hills of Yorkshire. Normally RRP for £89, but you can get it here, your name in the credits, and a link to our virtual screen party for £75!

£100 or more

I otter get this Finisterre jumper, it's mermazing

After a cold swim, or a blustery winter day, throwing on a knitted Finisterre jumper is the most WONDERFUL thing. If you know, you know. Finisterre have kindly donated 5x pieces of knitwear because they believe in the cause of cleaning up our waterways. Recipients of this reward will be contacted by Finisttere to arrange style, sizing and delivery. Also included: ticket to the launch party, and a hand written thank you card.

£120 or more

Wildmoose Robe

Designed for wild swimmers, paddlers, surfers and all aquatic adventures. The Wildmoose robe is fully waterproof, thick sherpa fleece lining, fleece lined hood and loads of pockets. You will be contacted for size and colour. Also included: a link to our virtual screen party, name in the credits and a hand written thank you card.

£145 or more

Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve

Designed to let you get changed anywhere, whilst protecting you from the elements, dryrobe® Advance is an essential piece of kit for all outdoor activities. The long sleeve design provides extra warmth and is ideal for those waiting to compete or watching sporting events. They normally retail at £160 but you can get one for £145 aswell as your name in the credits, a handwritten thank you card AND a link to our virtual screen party. Say Whaaat?

£170 or more

Vivo Barefoot Tracker Hi FG Boots

Vivobarefoot's Tracker Hi II FG are my favourite boots to get out into the wild. They're flexible and thin to allow you to feel the ground and hi to keep out the dirt. I LOVE them! I scramble across streams and jump in puddles and my feet remain dry too. They normally RRP at £200, but you can get a brand spanking new pair for £170, plus a link to my virtual screen party, your name in the credits AND a handwritten thank you card.

£340 or more

Sail away in wild Norfolk

Explore the wilderness of the north Norfolk coast on a Coastal Exploration Company skippered traditional wooden fishing boat, under sail, enjoying foraging, wild swims and delicious locally sourced food to recharge your soul. It’s proper adventuring and exploring, in one of the UK’s last great wildernesses. You'll be in great hands, Zoe your skipper is a proper She-Ra who's kindly donated this 4 hour experience for up to 4 people.

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