Seagrass seed collection

A 100-word story inspired by a conservation project I am involved in

The sun rises over the Eastern Solent as we head down the deserted beach, laden with paraphernalia  for collecting seagrass seed. The ebbing Spring tide reveals patches of vibrant green seagrass, gently wafting on the low-tide currents. A hidden seagrass meadow stretches before our eyes. 

For the next hour, eight volunteers stand knee deep in water, combing through the long seagrass leaves. We are looking for the cylindrical stalk (a spathe) that holds the magical seeds. These are the treasures that we handpick and collect in our buckets, for replanting to restore local seagrass meadows and for assisting conservation research. 

A 100-word story about my first experience of collecting seagrass seeds as a “Solent Seagrass Champion” (volunteer) for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust; Solent Seagrass Restoration Project. Volunteers take an active role in monitoring, surveying and planting seagrass across the Solent which lie within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Its a wonderful way to experience  and explore this amazing habitat, while also gaining new practical skills and knowledge of the work required to secure its future.

My 100-word stories are inspired by

Erica Drayton

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