This is the sixth in our series, featuring more than fifty ways to enrich your life, this one focusing on giving back and connecting with the natural world. Get involved with local communities, contribute to environmental conservation, boost your physical and mental health, learn new skills and make new friends, what could be better?
Photo Credit: Mark Ward
Join Sea Watch “Porpoises and Poetry” and help protect these magnificent creatures with the Sea Watch Foundation. The Bristol Channel is home to harbour porpoises and visiting dolphins, and you can assist in monitoring them as a volunteer with the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Expert training is provided for the two hour surveys which take place throughout the year, along the length of the Somerset and Exmoor Coast. You can also enjoy optional experiences like poetry, creative writing or sketching. All events are free but donations gratefully received.
Photo Credit: Mark Ward
Take part in a ShoreSearch Survey and contribute to the Wildlife Trusts’ national citizen science survey of the intertidal shore. The data collected by this project helps experts monitor our fragile sea life and better understand the effects of pollution and climate change. Being part of the seashore volunteer team is a great way of getting to know this unique bit of coastline and learn more about the wildlife. No experience is necessary as you will be provided with all the sampling kit, survey sheets and identification guides.
Photo Credit: Billy Barraclough
Participate in the Big Seaweed Search and help the Natural History Museum and the Marine Conservation Society monitor environmental changes affecting Britain’s sea life. Seaweed plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing shelter, food, and habitat for fish, and even reducing storm damage. No expertise is needed, just an hour of your time. Simply register, download the guide and recording form, then choose a stretch of the Somerset and Exmoor coast to explore. The data you gather will help build a picture of how our shores are changing, informing scientists how best to protect them.
Photo Credit: Plastic Free Exmoor
Earn an Ocean Activist or Champion Certificate by completing the Plastic Free Exmoor Single-Use Plastic scavenger hunt. Collect your activity sheet from Exmoor National Park Centre, Dunster, Our Precious Earth, Minehead, Minehead Tourist Information Office or Dunster Beach Holidays Office then head to the beach. Each item you collect earns points and if you get enough when you return your sheet you can collect your worthy prize.
Photo Credit: Plastic Free Exmoor
Help stop plastic pollution at source with a Surfers Against Sewage, West Somerset Plastic Free Community group litter pick. This is a great opportunity to meet other friendly volunteers, find out more about the local area (Minehead, Porlock, Watchet and Exmoor) and make a real difference to the coastline. For details on upcoming events visit their Facebook page.
Photo Credit: Aled Llywelyn
Head to the coast for the Great British Beach Clean. This week-long citizen science event organised by environmental charity the Marine Conservation Society, place in September each year with hundreds of beach cleans all over the UK. It’s easy to get involved, simply find a beach clean near you or organise your own. You will be stopping harmful litter from reaching the ocean and collect vital data they can use to bring about positive change for our seas.
Photo Credit: Plastic Free Exmoor
Make a difference in just two minutes – When you visit the beach (at Burnham on Sea, Berrow, Brean, Watchet, Dunster, Porlock, Porlock Weir) head to one of Litter Free Coast & Sea Somerset beach clean stations and join the #2minutebeachclean movement. Borrow a litter picker, grab a bag, pick up a few bits of marine litter and pop it in a bin or take home to recycle. Reward yourself with a well-earned ice cream knowing that your efforts will help to protect and preserve the beauty of this stunning coast for everyone to enjoy. Check out the station map to find your nearest beach clean location. Alternatively join the merry band of volunteers at the regular cleans on Berrow beach.
Photo Credit: Channel Events
Go wild and fundraise to protect wildlife and wild places across Somerset. You could adopt a collection box, be a collection volunteer at the Somerset Carnivals, choose Somerset Wildlife Trust as your charity of choice or take on one of their exhilarating challenges, walking, running, swimming, cycling, abseiling or caving. Find out more here. Whatever you choose to do, every penny you raise will go towards protecting wildlife and wild places across Somerset.
Show you CareMoor for Exmoor! Make a real difference by contributing and not only will you support nature and heritage conservation projects and improve access for everyone, but you will also help preserve Exmoor’s stunning landscape for future generations. You can choose which campaign you would like to support here.
For more ideas visit our friendly team of local experts:
