The inspirational seagrass rescue operation aligns with Countryfile’s Plant Britain by the Sea campaign, championing people power to help boost the resilience of our coastlines. Here are some ways you can take part.
1 One of the key elements of Plant Britain by the Sea is the coastal clean-up initiative. Many organisations are working alongside communities to combat marine plastic pollution. Like seagrass-restoration projects, volunteers are vital to the success of beach cleans. Find out how to protect your local beach and get involved with the next litter pick, or organise your own, here:
• Surfers Against Sewage: sas.org.uk/our-work/beach-cleans
• Marine Conservation Society: mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/join-a-beach-clean
• The 2 Minute Beach Clean: beachclean.net
2 Seagrass may be accessible, but scientists are still building its map around the UK. And you can help them locate seagrass locations by downloading free apps, such as SeagrassSpotter, to your phone and add any sightings.
3 The Wildlife Trusts has multiple seagrass restoration projects happening nationally. You can find out about these projects and their wider ‘Shoresearch’ initiative, as well as volunteering opportunities: wildlifetrusts. org/get-involved/other-ways-get-involved/shoresearch
4 Vital to project success, Natural England is recruiting volunteers to package seed bags. It is also seeking people to monitor leisure activity alongside local Wildlife Trusts around the Solent and Essex estuaries in the summer months, to minimise seabed disturbance. Find out how you can volunteer this summer: saveourseabed.co.uk
5 Featured on Countryfile, the Solent Estuary is currently home to England’s largest seagrass restoration project, led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Tru
