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Restoring kelp beds along the English Channel

  • by JW

“The Sussex Kelp Recovery Project – an ambitious collective of conservation and government organisations, scientists and communities.” [Blue Marine Foundation]

In Devon “we work with communities, schools, farmers and landowners to reduce water pollution and return our rivers that feed into our seas to good health.” [Devon Wildlife Trust]

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There’s more and more interest in kelp forests.

kelp forest

From the Wildlife Trusts: “Kelp forests are one of the most productive habitats on the Earth. As well as supporting a wide variety of life, these habits also provide us with a range of services. Kelp forests alter the movement of water and can provide a buffer against storm surges by reducing wave energy. This helps reduce the removal of sediments from beaches and coastal erosion rates. As climate change creates more severe weather, kelp forests are becoming more and more important.” Kelp beds and forests | The Wildlife Trusts

From Scotland: Kelp beds are a Priority Marine Feature in Scotland’s seas. Kelp beds | NatureScot

And from down the coast: Blue Marine helped establish the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project – an ambitious collective of conservation and government organisations, scientists and communities. Together we are undertaking pioneering research to monitor the kelp’s return and the benefits it provides for people, nature and climate. Sussex Kelp – Blue Marine Foundation

With big players getting involved: Sussex Kelp Restoration Project Rewilding Project | Rewilding Britain

As well as keen and knowledgeable local citizen scientists: The NHS worker singlehandedly rewilding kelp forests in Sussex | Rewilding | The Guardian

Meanwhile in Devon, very broadly, as the DWT says: “We work with communities, schools, farmers and landowners to reduce water pollution and return our rivers that feed into our seas to good health.” Wilder Seas | Devon Wildlife Trust

And an ongoing project made a splash last summer: Plymouth’s kelp forest to be dedicated to the Queen – BBC News

Finally, in these waters, there are movements afoot… Sidmouth and seaweed: interest and activity – Vision Group for Sidmouth

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