UK’s National Marine Week 2024 to hold nationwide events
The Wildlife Trust is set to launch National Marine Week with this year’s theme Sea the Connection, inviting people across the UK to explore and share their connection with the ocean.
Accounting for the UK’s varying tidal conditions, the national event spans a fortnight from Saturday, 27 July, to Sunday, 11 August, ensuring coastal communities nationwide can participate.
Some highlights of national events include the ‘SeaFest’ in Cumbria, a family friendly celebration featuring marine-themed activities, competitions and exhibits. An event on the Dorset coast, ‘Locomotion in the Ocean’, will be interactive and hands-on, discovering the movement of marine creatures.
In West Wales, Cardigan Bay, ‘Marine Mammal BioBlitz’ will allow people to get involved with a marine conservation team to spot dolphins, grey seals and seabirds from the New Quay harbour wall.
The theme draws inspiration from a tradition of maritime storytelling, echoing works by the likes of Herman Melville, Amy Liptrot, Sylvia Earle, and Charles Darwin. It encourages people from all walks of life to share their seaside memories, adventures, and favourite coastal spots on an interactive map.
Daniele Clifford, marine conservation officer at The Wildlife Trust, says: “The seas around the UK matter to us all – whether it’s because they support businesses or provide a playground for us to explore and relax – we owe so much to them. The stunning coastlines and waters surrounding us host an abundance of wildlife and store vast amounts of carbon – and they have an enormous cultural impact on society, too.
“Rocky shores, muddy estuaries and sandy beaches are wonderful places to explore, and these fascinating habitats have inspired many storytellers, artists and poets throughout history, making our lives all the richer. We want everyone to share their sea stories with us.”
Author and ocean advocate Wyl Menmuir says: “At the end of a long day, I know I can get a lift by walking along the strandline at my local beach. There’s always something interesting among the seaweed where the tide has turned: mermaids’ purses, by-the-wind-sailors, cork floats with goose barnacles, fascinating things that take my full attention. I pick out the plastic I find there, too, which makes me feel I’m doing some good, so it’s a win-win.”
Steve Backshall, TV presenter and supporter of National Marine Week, says: “Even if you don’t live on the coast, you can still get involved with National Marine Week by learning about the deadly impact of pollution on our seas and doing a litter pick to make sure less plastic makes its way downstream.”
As part of the lead-up to National Marine Week, the Wildlife Trust commissioned a new poll prior to the UK elections to gauge public environmental priorities for the newly appointed government. The results revealed a strong desire for marine conservation, with 50 per cent of people wanting to ensure the proper protection of nature in our seas.
Main image courtesy of Toby Roxburgh.
