A new film shines a light on the Solent Seascape Project, and the positive impact it can have on both the financial and mental health of those on the south coast who live near it.
The pioneering restoration initiative - a partnership of 10 organisations, including the University of Portsmouth, is steered by Blue Marine Foundation and has a starring role in the documentary 'Sea, Land & City', which launched this month.
The film's staring point is data which suggest that the UK is 'one of the most nature depleted countries in the world', and it goes on to examine the positive impact that a flourishing natural environment might have on the country's economy, its climate, and the wellbeing of its citizens.
'Sea, Land and City' follows filmmaker Mairead Cahill on an inspiring journey across those three environments. It aims to raise awareness and encourage commercial investment in nature, and was funded in part with support from Blue Marine. Cahill visits ventures that offer nature-based solutions to the UK's poor situation, and talks to the people involved.
The Solent Seascape Project actively restores and reconnects critical coastal habitats whilst working with local communities. The University leads the overall coordination and delivery of its comprehensive scientific programme whilst using a variety of techniques to assess biodiversity across the different marine habitats.
The University has been involved in a number of recent developments in the project in line with the ambitious recovery plan for the Solent, including the transferring of oysters to the River Hamble, making it the only reef alongside one in Langstone Harbour as the only restored reefs in the Solent region to date.
With so much negative news about the decline of nature and our changing climate, this film gives a message of hope. It showcases projects that are seeking to change our relationship with nature; communities coming together and acting for positive and powerful change across land, city and sea.
Professor Joanne Preston, Professor of Marine Biology
Professor Joanne Preston from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences said: "With so much negative news about the decline of nature and our changing climate, this film gives a message of hope. It showcases projects that are seeking to change our relationship with nature; communities coming together and acting for positive and powerful change across land, city and sea."
As well as the Solent Seascape, other projects include the restoration of forests, the reintroduction of beaver to tackle flooding, eco-moorings that are kind to the seabed, and 'living pontoons' to restore urban waterways. Cahill's focus in the film is on the economic benefits of the restored habitats, and the oyster beds they support.
The documentary estimates that these habitats can provide up to £2 billion of value a year across the region, through carbon, nitrate and phosphate removal, and also points out the potential to scale across the UK, as well as improve biodiversity and abundance of species.
"Many people do not realise the range of wildlife they have on their doorstep", added marine biologist Theo Vickers as he takes Cahill to see seagrass meadows in the water around the Isle of Wight. "It's about saying, well - look what we've got! Get out there and explore it. Take pride in it!"
'Sea, Land and City' premiered at Blue Earth Summit in London on 16 October and is now free to stream on WaterBear. The film was produced by Wonderoom, with co-production partner Rubber Republic, media and distribution partner WaterBear and sponsorship support from partners The Crown Estate, Blue Marine Foundation and West of England Combined Authority.
East Head Impact and the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme (ELSP), managed by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and funded by Arcadia, support the Solent Seascape Project.
You can find out more about the Solent Seascape Project, follow their work and sign up for their newsletter here: www.solentseascape.com
