Earlier this year I walked East Anglia’s coastline on a mission to help bridge the gap between the marine science community and the people who live alongside our oceans. Over 24 days, I walked over 300 miles and spoke to more than 300 children, giving talks at local primary schools and scout groups en route to engage coastal communities in marine science and the outdoors.
It was a privilege to spend so much time along our coastline. I witnessed stunning landscapes, had numerous close wildlife encounters and met fascinating people.
I also saw, however, the disparity that is highlighted along the coast in the UK. East Anglia is a region home to some of both the country’s richest and most disadvantaged. Many people, especially children, living inland in towns and cities are deprived not just financially, but also of a basic connection to nature. They lack the opportunity to go to the sea, and therefore an interest in and passion for our oceans is never kindled.
Following on from my walk, I have decided to create the City Wave Project. Starting this summer, I will be giving talks to different communities around East Anglia. My aim is to pass on the experiences and education I got from my walk and inspire a connection with the natural world, something I believe is innate in us all but sometimes just needs a spark.
20 years old and originally from Cambridgeshire, I am currently studying a BSc in Conservation Biology and Ecology at Exeter University’s Cornwall campus. I would be delighted to talk to any schools, scout groups or other organisations around East Anglia to launch this exciting project.
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