Solent Seascape Project

21/08/2026

And away they go!! 🦪

Native oysters added to the new reef in Chichester Harbour earlier this year, as part of the Solent Seascape Project, and now working hard to clean water and provide homes for other species.

Blue Marine Foundation

💦🦪SPLASH!🦪💦

Throwback to the moment that 20,000 native oysters were deployed onto the Solent Seascape Project oyster reef restoration in Chichester Harbour.

21/08/2026

📆Date for your diary📆
🦪🦪🦪Oyster boat trip with the Solent Seascape Project

Hop aboard our solar-powered tour boat to sail over the restored oyster reef and find out all about oyster restoration in Chichester Harbour and beyond.

Book here 👇
https://www.ticketsource.com/boat-trips-chichester-harbour/oyster-restoration-special-boat-trip-with-the-solent-seascape-project-departing-itchenor/e-djqxlk

19/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Sea View Yacht Club last Thursday for our Protecting Seagrass in Priory Bay: Next Steps Workshop 🌱

Building on the initial results of the community survey, we worked together to map out the next steps for this project to protect Priory Bay's important seagrass meadows whilst also supporting boating in the bay.

If you are interested in helping to shape the project but were unable to make the workshop you can still share your views in our survey which will remain open until the 31st August: https://forms.office.com/e/21Zv0Ven3v

This work is being undertaken as part of the Solent Seascape Project the first project of its kind in the UK to initiate seascape-scale restoration.

Solent Seascape Project | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

19/08/2026

The Solent is a beautiful place, both above and below the water, so this , we thought we’d share some photos of this special seascape, taken by the team. 📸

Bonus points for guessing the locations! 📍

We’d love to see your favourite place in the Solent. Share your photography with us in the comments below or tag us in a post.

09/08/2026

How does a biodegradable, potato starch Tern help bring back threatened seabirds to the Solent? 🪶⁠
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Our partner, RSPB England, uses 3D printed ‘decoys’ across the Solent to help seabirds such as Sandwich Terns, Little Terns, Black-headed Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls and Common Terns find safe places to nest. ⁠
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So far, they’ve been successfully used on rafts in Chichester Harbour, Langstone Harbour and Medmerry Nature Reserve along the Solent. ⁠
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To give seabirds the best possible chance, we use decoys in combination with other protection measures, such as predator control, habitat enhancement, and the use of vocal attractants (lures).⁠
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Want to find out more about our work to help seabirds? Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-xwjD2KMvI&t=12s where you can watch our short film 🔗⁠
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📸 Mark Appleton, Holly Hill, Wez Smith

07/08/2026

📣 Calling all Islanders 📣⁠

All those who live and visit the Isle of Wight know it’s a special place. From sweeping downland to dramatic cliffs, the Island is internationally recognised for its important habitats and designated as a UNESCO Biosphere.⁠
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But what about our seas? Our waters have some of the most important habitats for flighting climate change and are home to amazing species, including sharks, rays and seahorses. But we need your help to protect them.⁠
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Across the Island, the Solent Seascape Project is working to restore lost seagrass meadows and disappearing saltmarsh and we’re looking for volunteers that are Island-based to be Marine Champions.⁠
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Some of the things you might be doing (no set hours - join when you’re available):⁠
🦀 Helping with intertidal surveys to survey the species present⁠
🐟 Gathering important data to help support conservation efforts⁠
🌱 Engage with the local community via events, talks and workshops⁠
🌊 Champion key messages to encourage positive behavioural change⁠
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No special skills needed, just a love of our Solent seas and an Isle of Wight postcode!⁠
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Interested? Find out more and sign up at https://solentseascape.com/get-involved/general-volunteering/ 🔗⁠
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Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve

05/08/2026

🦪Time to celebrate the amazing things oysters do on . 🦪⁠
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As native, European oysters have been all but lost from the Solent, we’re working to reverse this and bring them back, along with all the benefits they provide to both us and the environment.⁠
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Blue Marine Foundation

23/07/2026

Join us on the 13th August for our Protecting Seagrass in Priory Bay: Next Steps Workshop.

🗓️13th August
📍Seaview Yacht Club, Seaview, Isle of Wight, PO34 5HB
🕤4pm-6pm
👉Sign up here: https://buytickets.at/projectseagrass/2246080

Priory Bay supports important seagrass meadows that provide a home for marine life as well as supporting healthy coastlines. The bay is also of great value for boating and recreation, and a popular summer anchorage. This project is exploring ways to protect the seagrass whilst also supporting boating.

We have been working to collect additional data through seagrass ecology surveys, recreational surveys, and a feasibility study with a local contractor. We would now like to invite you to join us to map out the next steps for this project.

During the workshop we will:

- Outline the background to the project
- Share results of the initial community survey
- Work together to map out the next steps for this project

If you are interested in helping to shape the project but are unable to make the workshop you can share your views in our survey (open until the 11th August): https://forms.office.com/e/21Zv0Ven3v or contact [email protected]

Solent Seascape Project | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

22/07/2026

Organised, great with details and reliable? We’d love to hear from you!

We’re looking for someone who is experienced in grant administration to join our team as Solent Restoration Grant Administrator to help support the delivery of our work across the Solent. 🌊

You’ll play an important role in providing administrative, reporting and financial support for the Solent Seascape Project and the Solent Oyster Restoration Project. 🦪⁠

The details:
⏰Fixed term contract (24 months), full-time.
📍 Remote with some travel
💸 £28,000 - £34,000
⁠ 🗓️ Closing date: 9 August

🔗 Interested? Learn more about the role and apply at https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/position/solent-restoration-grant-administrator/ ⁠
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