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Helping children see seaweed differently

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Marine Conservation Society brings marine macro-algae to North Devon’s classrooms 

The UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), has created a programme to bring a vital, yet often overlooked and misunderstood part of our coast to life for seven to eleven-year olds.

Seaweed, often thought to be slippery, slimy, smelly stuff, with no real purpose is the subject of a set of educational resources aimed at helping local children in North Devon to see this vital macro-alga differently. MCS has been working in the North Devon Coast AONB to develop the programme.

Seaweed provides protection from waves and storms, shelter for fish and shellfish, energy for intertidal creatures and even food for us. With around 650 seaweed species in the UK, we are living in a global diversity hotspot. It’s estimated that 70- 80% of the world’s oxygen comes from marine algae which also helps us by locking up C02 to slow climate change. Yet most of us are unaware of the importance of seaweed or how to recognise and record it.

MCS has been working on the Big Seaweed Search with the Natural History Museum over the past few years and has now created a new suite of downloadable resources to help primary school teachers and other youth group leaders introduce children aged 7 to 11, to the beauty, diversity and value of seven easily found seaweed species that thrive on our coasts.

Jules Agate, MCS Volunteer and Engagement Manager for the South West, who developed the ‘Teach On The Beach; Big Seaweed Search for schools’ says: “The North Devon Coast is a fantastic place to get stuck into seaweed! There’s lots of it, it’s a free study material available in some of the most beautiful outdoor classrooms of the entire UK. Our pack means you’ll never look at seaweed in the same way again!

Fun activities to do on the shore supplement the Big Seaweed Search activity itself. Associated indoor sessions use curriculum linked lessons, games, practical activities, video and even dance to bring seaweeds alive and encourage children to delve deeper and discover the amazing attributes of algae. All resources are freely available, and sessions can be amended to suit any particular group and teaching situation.

Appledore Primary School has already used the pack and one Year 6 student said: “Seaweed is algae that is found in the sea. It may look like just an old strip of useless slimy plants. I can tell you that you are wrong. I have learnt from The Marine Conservation Society that seaweed has many uses, including keeping us safe.

This project has been supported by the North Devon Coast AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund which is funded by Defra. The SDF supports projects such as Teach On The Beach; Big Seaweed Search for schools which bring environmental, social or economic benefit to the North Devon Coast AONB.

Jenny Carey-Wood, North Devon Coast AONB Manager says: “We are delighted to grant aid this project. The Teach On The Beach; Big Seaweed Search for Schools builds on the successful work carried out by the AONB’s Coastal Creatures project with primary schools across the area, using the beach as an outdoor classroom and connecting children to nature.”

For more information please visit the Marine Conservation Society website by clicking here.

Images: Jules Agate

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.

Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

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Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.

Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.

“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.

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