Grass and sand dunes at Mawddach Estuary Fairbourne Wales Andrew Chrisholm

August was a busy month of event delivery with lots of time spent at the beach! Read on to hear more about the Ocean Connection Programme activities that took place.

Ocean Connection Programme activities

In August, the Ocean Connection Programme continued, with the HYYM team delivering 17 activities.

To make the most of the summer sunshine, 12 of these were outdoor, nature-based activities, such as sand sculpting, which proved to be particularly popular.

It was wonderful to see the creativity of participants and watch them truly connect with the marine environment.

Sand Sculpting HYYM

Credit: Ciara Taylor

As well as carrying out four beach cleans to actively support the health of our local marine environment, participants had the opportunity to receive in-person beach clean organiser training in Prestatyn, delivered by Clare from the Beachwatch team. Five volunteers are now trained up on how to organise and carry out a beach clean, including how to complete a litter survey and upload data, which will help the Marine Conservation Society to collect vital litter data needed for campaigning.

HYYM Kinmel Bay Beach Clean

Credit: Ciara Taylor, 2024

One Ocean Forum collaboration

We partnered with Claudia Smith, from Denbighshire County Council and Tony Morgan, from Prestatyn Rotary Club, to arrange a trip to Gronant Sands for a bird watching walk where attendees learned about the local wildlife.

Based on a suggestion from the One Ocean Forum, the Ocean Connection Programme utilised a loyalty card scheme, in which if people took part in three activities (one in each of the themes of wellness, taking action and learning), they could ‘unlock’ a special activity. We collaborated with One Ocean Forum member Roger from Conwy County Council to deliver this first special activity: a watersports session in Colwyn Bay with twelve community members. This was a fantastic experience for the participants, and for many of them was their first time trying paddle boarding and kayaking.

HYYM Watersports Activity

Credit: Ciara Taylor