SEASIDE safaris and free nature-based activities brought local families and visitors to Minehead esplanade and beach last Saturday to celebrate World Ocean Day – an event hailed by the organisers as a “resounding success.”
Organised by Minehead and Coast Development Trust in collaboration with Somerset Wildlife Trust and Exmoor National Park, the day featured a variety of activities designed to point out the importance of ocean and wildlife conservation.
They included seashore safaris led by local wildlife experts, which explored the diverse marine life along Minehead's coastline. These hands-on expeditions offered a unique opportunity to learn about local species and the critical role they play in our environment.
Beach finds, including crabs, periwinkles, shrimps and a variety of other marine creatures and vegetation, were recorded at the end of the safaris.
Other highlights included arts and crafts sessions with Forest Catkins, a local organisation which offers creative school-based events for all ages, and which involved ocean-themed art from natural materials, while Somerset-based musician Martin Sheills entertained with his original rap lyrics and music inspired by nature.
Another highlight was the Porlock theatre company Stacked Wonky's "While We Still Can" initiative which encouraged community members to make personal pledges to protect the environment. Participants committed to actions such as reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable choices, and participating in local beach clean-ups.
The day was also supported by Plastic Free Minehead which organised a beach and town litter-pick. “If one person can make a promise to change a habit for the better, it causes a small impact on the world,” a spokesperson said.
“Last Saturday in Minehead we gathered 25 pledges, which now puts us over 500. Whether it is to visit a sustainable shop, take a reusable bag when shopping or grow salad and herbs on the windowsill, that's 500 promises to change for the better.”
