The unsung hero of the marine environment needs you!

An innovative new project which seeks to engage children with the marine environment, has been shortlisted for National Lottery funding as part of the People’s Project Wales.

Project Seagrass, a charity started by Researchers from Cardiff and Swansea University is in the running to win £50,000 for its unique programme which aims to bring the ‘coast to the classroom’ and the ‘classroom to the coast’ to engage the children of Wales with their marine heritage. The project will connect 15,000 children from across north Wales, with the marine world and the resources that our seas provide, whilst inspiring them to become future guardians of our oceans.

“By focusing on seagrass, the lesser known star of the marine environment, we can explain the importance of marine habitats using things that children understand, from the golden sand of our beaches to the range of fish in our chip shops. Seagrass is an ideal focus because it’s important for sustaining our fisheries and absorbing vast amounts of CO₂, whilst also providing a home for charismatic animals like seahorses” said Project Seagrass Co-Director, Benjamin Jones.

The interactive scheme will see children using a novel phone app and recording website, encouraging children to explore the Welsh coastline, all in the name of science.

The project will also run a free summer seagrass camp, offering children from all backgrounds a chance to understand what it’s like to be a Marine Biologist and to participate in ongoing scientific research and conservation.

Mr Jones said: “We hope our project has the potential to leave a lasting legacy and inspire the next generation of conservationists who appreciate and care for our amazing coastline!”

How to get involved

The Peoples Project’s Wales, gives five organisations across Wales a chance to win up to £50,000 of Big Lottery Fund money to put towards making a difference to communities. The competition invites people to vote for the project they think most deserves the money.

Project Seagrass needs your votes to help make its education scheme possible.

The Charity, which is based at Cardiff University’s Sustainable Places Research Institute works to protect threatened seagrass habitats, which provide food and shelter for an array of marine life.

Voting opens on Monday 29th February 2016 at 9am and closes at 12pm on Sunday 13th March 2016. People will be able to cast their votes on-line by using the link below.

https://www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk/

You can find more information about Project Seagrass on their website, www.projectseagrass.org, or by following them on twitter @ProjectSeagrass.