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.
Today, The Rock Pool Project begin their exciting two-year Blue Recovery Project aimed at addressing this issue, made possible with a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, 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 are delighted to be partnering with the following vastly experienced and established organisations in providing Blue Recovery:
- The Marine Biological Association
- Cornwall Marine Network
- Nudge Community Builders
- The Dracena Centre
- Mount Batten Watersports Centre
The Blue Recovery Project aims to reconnect communities who would, in the past, have had a close relationship with their local marine heritage, yet are now often unable to enjoy the significant benefits of this wonderful natural resource due to a range of socio-economic reasons.
Connecting people and communities to their local marine wildlife and beaches, Blue Recovery will leave a lasting legacy, significantly benefitting both people’s wellbeing following the pandemic, and conservation awareness in the face of the climate emergency.
People living in relevant postcodes can join the Blue Recovery Community and enjoy free events and training as:
- Citizen Scientists: for adults and children over 16
- Rock Pool Families: for families with younger children
- Blue Recovery Rangers: leadership roles for a small number of dedicated adults
Both Falmouth and Plymouth are pioneering in reconnecting their populations with the local marine heritage. Falmouth has declared an urgent need for ocean recovery whilst Plymouth Sound has been designated the UK's first National Marine Park. The Rock Pool Project and their partners are passionate about supporting the aims and communities of both places through the Blue Recovery Project.
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.
Blue Recovery Beach Days will run monthly, with the first Plymouth event taking place on Sunday 20 February. People can find out if they are eligible to attend and reserve their place via The Rock Pool Project’s website.
Dr Ben Holt, co-founder and CEO of The Rock Pool Project said: “Blue Recovery will be a game changer for local people and for local marine conservation. The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of community and of enjoying our local natural environment, and our project will combine these two important issues to create a better future.
I’m very excited to begin training people of all ages to become local wildlife experts, which will enable them to enjoy this amazing free local natural resource and to contribute to our conservation research.”
Stuart McLeod, Director, England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are thrilled to support The Rock Pool Project’s ‘Blue Recovery’. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project will help people from disadvantaged areas in Plymouth and Falmouth reconnect with nature and their local coastline. Through funding initiatives such as these we hope to showcase the positive benefits that exploring our coastlines can have on wellbeing and the importance of protecting these for future generations to enjoy.”