SKRP supporting Marine Week in Sussex
As part of Sussex Wildlife Trust's annual Marine Week celebrations, the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project was invited to share our love of life beneath the waves at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre.
The week featured a range of marine-themed activities designed to inspire visitors and deepen their connection with the coast. These included a seaweed survey led by the Trust's Youth Rangers, with findings submitted to the Marine Conservation Society's Big Seaweed Search, a marine-themed Microscope Monday, and a community beach clean.
Visitors could also admire the kelp-inspired window display, enjoy footage showcasing the rich marine life beneath the waves, and have a bit of fun donning kelpie headdresses at our Take a Kelpie stand. Together, these activities highlighted the importance of protecting and restoring Sussex's marine environment while encouraging people of all ages to get involved in conservation.
Get your tickets for Sea FEST! Youth Marine Festival
Book your ticket for Sea Fest, a youth-led marine festival created by the Sussex Wildlife Trust Youth Rangers. Designed by and for 16-30 year olds, Sea Fest is a chance to explore the coast, learn something new, meet like-minded people and discover the amazing marine wildlife found right here in Sussex.
You don't need any previous knowledge of marine life or conservation to take part. Whether you're passionate about the ocean already or simply looking for a fun and interesting day out, Sea Fest is a welcoming space to connect with nature and learn more about the sea on your doorstep.
Throughout the day, you'll have the chance to explore rock pools, hear from inspiring speakers, take part in creative activities, watch a film screening, meet local organisations and enjoy a guided coastal bird walk.
Motility matters for our kelp spores!
New research from SKRP's Marianne Glascott, at the University of Sussex has found that the way kelp spores move through the water can make a big difference to whether they successfully settle and grow into kelp.
Understanding these tiny early life stages could be key to supporting the recovery of our kelp forests.
Marianne next hopes to uncover which factors in our marine environment influence this movement.
Surfrajet swims the Channel for SKRP!
Local sea swimmer Kasia and her five-woman Surfrajet team recently took on the challenge of swimming the English Channel in relay, raising funds for the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project along the way.
Leading the effort, Kasia was the first into the water as the team set off from Shakespeare Beach in Dover in the early hours of 31 July, bound for the French coast. Over the course of the crossing, they faced a formidable range of challenges, including strong tides, busy shipping lanes, swarms of jellyfish, oil pollution, diesel fumes from passing vessels and relentless seasickness!
Despite the gruelling conditions, the team demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience, completing an incredible feat of endurance while helping to support the recovery of Sussex's marine environment.
What an accomplishment, what amazing women, and how grateful we are for Kasia’s support!
Planet Possible Podcast
Our George has been a busy bee this month as she also took part in a podcast for Planet Possible. Gorge joined Rewilding Britain’s Rebecca Wrigley (CEO) to discuss rewilding as a concept...and see how it works in action.
Join us next month for more News from the Blue!