Dorset Wildlife Trust is encouraging everyone to join in with their annual celebration of the sea which runs from Saturday 27 July – Sunday 11 August. This year’s National Marine Week theme is Sea the Connection, which celebrates the diverse ways people feel connected with the sea. Alongside a whole host of special events at their visitor centres, Dorset Wildlife Trust is inviting people to share their favourite seaside memories, adventures, and places on an interactive online map.
From Herman Melville to Amy Liptrott, Sylvia Earle to Charles Darwin, writers, naturalists, and adventurers have documented voyages, discoveries and encounters with the sea throughout history. Now Dorset Wildlife Trust are calling on everyone to share their stories of how the sea enriches lives.
National Marine Week spans a fortnight due to varying tidal conditions around the UK. There are celebrations and events in Dorset such as a Marine Protected Areas cruise on the Fleet Explorer at Chesil Beach and a Rockpool Ramble at Kimmeridge Bay.
Wild Seas Centre Officer, Julie Hatcher says:
“Dorset’s seas are incredibly special and important to us all for all kinds of reasons, whether used for business or for our enjoyment. The variety of underwater habitats found in Dorset, from swaying seagrass meadows to muddy harbours and from rock pools to sandy seashores, provide endless opportunities to explore and are inspiration for our rich cultural activities too. We want everyone to share their sea stories with us!”
“Everyone understands that our marine environment and wildlife is under threat and protection for the sea and what lives there is a top environmental priority. Helping this wildlife to recover will benefit us all, from locking away carbon, to supporting commercial activities and providing healthier waters for us all to enjoy.”
Wyl Menmuir, author and ocean advocate, 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 to find 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:
“We’re so lucky to have waters around our Great British Isles which are teeming with life, with treasures equalling anywhere else on this planet. I distinctly remember swimming in a seagrass meadow off the coast of Cornwall with spiny seahorses bumping into my mask! 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.”
Find a full list of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s National Marine Week events and the interactive map at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/national-marine-week-2024
Photo: Wild Seas Centre © Phil Abraham
