Couple on Budleigh Beach during Great British Beach Clean GBBC 2017 Andrew Brown

People and the sea

It’s official! Time by the coast and sea – in blue space – makes us feel happier and healthier. Research has shown that time by the sea brings real benefits for people’s health and wellbeing.

But this isn’t a one-way relationship – people who have made the connection between their own wellbeing and the ocean are more likely to want to look after it.

Our health and wellbeing is inextricably linked with the health of our ocean.

Isle of Arran - Andrew Hall

Scottish Seas Roadshow

The Scottish Seas Roadshow is an inspiring ocean‑literacy initiative that helps communities and schools across Scotland reconnect with the sea, discover its remarkable marine life, and understand the vital role we all play in safeguarding ocean health.

Blackpool South Bay

One Ocean Roadshow

The One Ocean Roadshow is an exciting Ocean Literacy project in the north of England empowering local communities and schools to rediscover the ocean, its fascinating marine inhabitants, and the important role we play in protecting the ocean’s health.

Aerial beach clean shot at Talacre

Hiraeth Yn Y Môr

Hiraeth Yn Y Môr (HYYM) was a community-led project working in North-East Wales from 2023 to 2025 to connect local people with the ocean on their doorstep

Waves at sea level Thierry Meier

Community Voice Method

For over a decade, we've been working with communities to develop a shared appreciation and deeper understanding of the all the ways in which the ocean benefits them.

Kids Rockpool snorkelling in Cornwall Sue Ranger

Our Blue Heart

We are on a mission to deepen our understanding of this incredible relationship between people and the ocean.

Puffins on the Latrabjarg cliffs Iceland Louie Lea

Working together

Collaboration is at the heart of our People and the Sea work. We actively seek opportunities to work with others and have been effective partners in several networks.

Bovisand Beach, Plymouth, Devon, 2021, Billy Barraclough

The sea and me

We're pleased to share three short films, created by filmmaker Dominic Joyce, and supported by players of Postcode Lottery. The films follow three individuals as they explore the different experiences which led them to a deep connection to our blue planet: surfing, diving and beach cleaning.

One Ocean Roadshow, Lorna Donaghy

Marine values

Explore the diverse views and values of communities in these insightful films from our amazing coastal communities.