Running for 15 action-packed days, The Wildlife Trust’s National Marine Week runs from 24th July until 8th August (allowing for the variation of tide times around the country). It is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the UK’s wonderful marine wildlife and get your kids involved in all things coastal this summer holiday. Whether you want to enjoy a rockpool ramble, participate in a beach clean-up or book onto a snorkel safari, there is something for everyone with hundreds of events running across the UK.
There is so much diversity along the UK coastline – reefs, gullies and rich wreck heritage, thousands of seabirds nesting in cliffs, dolphins riding the bow wave of boats and inquisitive grey seals twisting and turning around seaweed. Remember: you are never more than 70 miles from the sea from any location in the UK. Who knew this was all on your doorstep? See below for a selection of activities that might be happening near you in this year’s National Marine Week:
- Coastal Explorers, Cumbria 24th July-8th August (but can be done any time)
This is a self-led nature activity using activity guides and spotter sheets, leaving you free to explore the marine life along Cumbria’s coastline at your leisure. Go egg case hunting for mermaid’s purses, identify 26 different species on a sand dune safari and see what creatures get left behind in the mud flats when the tide goes out.
- Seaquest Southwest Seawatch, Cape Cornwall 28th July (but can be done anytime)
In conjunction with National Whale and Dolphin Watch week, Seaquest Southwest are inviting volunteers to join their team in gathering valuable cetacean data along the Cornish Coast this Wednesday. This is a citizen science marine recording project run by Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Living Seas Team. It is aimed at better understanding, conserving and protecting marine wildlife and wild places for future generations. You will need a pair of binoculars and a beady pair of eyes at the NCI station at Cape Cornwall.
This is an exciting way to explore your surroundings and get closer to the wildlife you share it with. Holme Dunes is superbly located to attract migrating birds. It also holds a variety of important habitats which support numerous other wildlife species including natterjack toads, butterflies and dragonflies, as well as a large number of interesting plants. Collect your pack and complete the tasks along the walk to become beach wildlife explorers!
Explore some of the common and more unusual items you might find on the beach at this visitor’s centre. Come along to learn to identify some of the treasures you might find on British beaches, learn about seashells and other creatures and life between the tides. Please note: this is not a beach walk but an indoor event.
This is a family run campsite with nature and the environment at its core. Among other activities to dive into you can enjoy rock-pooling, yoga, guided walks, inspiring talks, snorkelling, music workshops, storytelling and fire-songs. Grab one of just 30 family pitches and connect with the coast and stunning local scenery. Coasteering and kayaking are an additional cost.
To find a list of more events for National Marine Week click here and search by date and location:
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/events
