A major new project has been launched to connect people from disadvantaged areas in Plymouth to their coast and coastal wildlife.
The Rock Pool Project has launched a new ‘Blue Recovery’ project to inspire and connect people from disadvantaged areas in Plymouth and Falmouth with their local marine wildlife, after receiving almost £150,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Every year, millions of people are drawn to the South West’s spectacular coastline. However, a rising number of locals are becoming disconnected from their nearby beaches and marine heritage, missing out on this coastline’s numerous benefits; fresh air, sea views, discovery, exercise, restfulness and fun.
Now the Rock Pool Project has begun an exciting two-year Blue Recovery Project aimed at addressing this issue. The innovative not-for-profit organisation will help hundreds of local people to explore, understand and care for their local wildlife and coastline.
Adults and families from eligible postcodes will have the opportunity to enjoy free, expert-led rock pooling events, join the new Blue Recovery community, receive citizen science training and experience the fun and freedom that comes with a rock pool ramble and time spent with friends at the beach.
The Rock Pool Project is partnering with a number of vastly experienced and established organisations in providing Blue Recovery including The Marine Biological Association, Nudge Community Builders and Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
Blue Recovery Beach Days will run monthly on Sundays in Plymouth. People can find out if they are eligible to attend and reserve their place via The Rock Pool Project’s website at www.therockpoolproject.co.uk
In the summer months, special ‘See Our Shore’ beach events will offer the opportunity for Blue Recovery Rangers to share their learning and growing passion for marine wildlife with the wider community, visitors to the region and local businesses.
Alan Smith, co-founder and education director of The Rock Pool Project said:
“We were over the moon and quite emotional to hear we’d received this grant. All of us in The Rock Pool Project team have been lucky enough to enjoy exploring the wonderful world of rock pools for most of our lives, and now we can share the joy and wonder of discovering wildlife with people who have not had such opportunities.”
