People of all ages were able to learn about their local marine environment, and also to engage with opportunities created by the recently formed Marine Conservation Zones to support and conserve its fragile nature.

A wide range of activities were run by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Especially popular were Wild Beach coastal explorations for schoolchildren which included rockpooling and fishing for plankton. Adult volunteers helped out with beach cleaning and a cookery course promoting sustainable seafood took place.

New website pages attracted thousands of visitors and a major conference was held including both practical and outdoor sessions. Project officers were also invited to present a Wild Beach workshop at a gathering of European marine science educators in Greece.

A school involved in the project commented: “The feedback from all the teachers and teaching assistants that went was amazing. They came back into school at lunchtime buzzing and talked non-stop about their morning to all the other members of staff, all through lunchtime in the staffroom! You have inspired them.”