National Marine Week

Bloody Henry Sea Starfish near Trevose Head, Image by Matt Slater

Bloody Henry Sea Starfish near Trevose Head, Image by Matt Slater

National Marine Week

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Explore the shore in Cornwall!

The Wildlife Trusts' National Marine Week is a nationwide celebration of the marine world! Here in Cornwall, we're running lots of fantastic events to help you discover our weird and wonderful marine life!

From 29th July to 6th August, you can get involved in various events with marine and coastal enthusiasts around the county. Join rockpool ramblers, seagrass snorkelers, and cliff-top dolphin watchers to learn about the extraordinary marine life along our coastline. This year The Wildlife Trusts are focusing on ‘Generation Sea’, so come along to events, follow our socials, and help us form a generation of environmentally conscious, eco-active humans.

What's On?

Cornwall has a thriving network of local marine conservation groups (MCG) led by dedicated volunteers all around the county. The Your Shore Network are running events that reflect the conservation efforts in their local patch of coast. See what interactive, fun, and educational activities they are hosting to raise awareness and campaign on behalf of their marine life and habitats.

National Whale and Dolphin Sea Watch

In collaboration with the Sea Watch Foundation's citizen science project, join Seaquest Southwesters at Trevose Head on 29th July to survey the UK’s coastal waters. Help research the distribution of whales, dolphins, and porpoises around the UK. More info here...

Beach Cleans

On 30th July, you can head to the north coast of Cornwall and stroll along Hayle Beach with St Ives Marine Group collecting litter and caring for the sandy shore. Suppose you're closer to northeast Cornwall or fancy a change in scenery. In that case, Rame Peninsula Beach Care will be tending to Whitsand Bay.

Chat With Bude Marine Group

During your Sunday stroll along Crooklets Promenade on 30th July, chat with Bude Marine Group and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), who are spreading awareness of all the excellent work they do… learn how to get involved in conservation!

Come Crabbing in Looe!

On 31st July, Marine Conservation Officer Matt Slater will be with Looe MCG crabbing! Meeting at the Heritage Centre, Matt will explain how to go crabbing respectfully while spotting species on the rocky shore.

Peek Beneath the Waves on a Seagrass Snorkle

Join Cornwall Wildlife Trust on 31st July at Porthpean Beach to delve into the underwater world at one of the largest known seagrass spectacles in the UK. Learn what rare species live in this biodiverse habitat. Booking is essential, register here.

Go on a Safari Through the Seagrass

Falmouth Marine Conservation is running a guided tour of our underwater seagrass meadows, learning about the creatures that call it home along the way! Meet at Kiln Quay Beach in Flushing on the 31st of July. Booking is essential, register here.

Beachcomb along Polzeath!

Meet at the Polzeath Marine Centre on 1st August and spend the morning combing along the beach, finding all the exciting items washed in by the tide. Booking is essential, more information here.

Discover the Marine World with St Agnes Marine Conservation Group

A day of rock pooling, arts, beach sculpture and snorkelling at Trevaunance Cove on 1st August. Meet the marine group and see the creative fun our coastline can offer!

Explore Newquay’s Marine Life

In an exciting collaboration with Newquay Aquarium, join the marine group and head down to The Harbour Room on 2nd August and get involved in various activities on their marine discovery day.

CANCELLEDCelebrate at the Mounts Bay Seagrass Festival: CANCELLED

On 2nd August, join the Your Shore Team and Mounts Bay Marine Group to celebrate all things seagrass at Marazion by St Michael's Mount. Including a seagrass snorkel, rockpool ramble, sand sculptures and more! Discover this unique habitat and how it supports our wonderful Cornish marine life. Booking is essential if you'd like to join the seagrass snorkel. More info... update: this event has been cancelled.

Enjoy the Marvellous Manacles Marine Day

4th August at Porthkerris will be a full day of super fun activities! Start with the shore lab, look at the marine creatures that divers have collected, then join a rockpool safari with the Shoresearch team and end the day with a guided snorkel. There is even the opportunity to try diving and freediving with Porthkerris Divers. Booking is essential if you would like to join the snorkel (register here), all other activities are open to all and booking is NOT required. Come along for a marvellous marine day!

Stackhouse Cove Rockpool

Photo: Matt Slater

Rockpool Rambles!

Come and join local experts as they find the amazing critters surviving in all the nooks and crannies on the rocky shore. Learn about starfish, crabs, anemones, and sea slugs with the marine groups around Cornwall.

  • 30th July: Join Bude Marine Group at Crooklets Beach between 10 am and 1 pm to ramble over the rocks.
  • 3rd August: On the north coast of Cornwall, you can meet the gang from Polzeath Marine Conservation Group at The Rambles (book here) or swing to the south and join Falmouth Marine Conservation Group on the rockpools of Gylly Beach or Helford Marine Conservation Group at the rocky shore of Prisk Cove (book here).
  • 4th August: The south coast has all the rockpool ramble action! Meet Looe Marine Group at Hannafore Beach to ramble along their shore, or join the Friends of Fowey Estuary on Readymoney to see what their rockpools hold.
Volunteer at a Seaquest southwest sea watch, image by Matt Slater. 

Volunteer at a Seaquest southwest sea watch, image by Matt Slater. 

Seaquest Sunday!

The first Sunday of every month brings sea watchers from all over Cornwall to the cliff-tops and lookout points. Seaquest Southwest collaborates with marine and coastal wildlife groups to set up sea-watching sites supported by the local community. From 11 am – 1 pm on Sunday, 6th August, you can join the following:

  • Newquay Marine Group on Towan Headland
  • Falmouth Marine Conservation Group on Pendennis Point
  • St Ives Bay Marine Group at the St Ives NCI Station
  • Three Bays Wildlife Group at Dodman Point
  • St Agnes Marine Conservation Group at the St Agnes Head NCI Station
  • Perranporth Marine Conservation Group on Cligga Head
  • Bude Marine Group at Widemouth Viewpoint
Lizard Watch Point

Photo: Gemma Newman

Visit Marine and Coastal Centres Around Cornwall

Over the summer, Cornwall's coasts host many groups and individuals volunteering to support their local environment and teach people about the marine and coastal world. They also strive to educate on good practices and protect people and wildlife so everyone can enjoy nature. Pop in and chat with the local National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) stations, National Trust Watchpoints, and the Marine Centre at Polzeath to see and learn more about our fabulous marine life!

© Paul Naylor

© Paul Naylor

More info is available here:

Take action for Cornwall's seas

No matter where you live in Cornwall, whether on the coast or inland, you can do your bit to help our marine life.