Project Dates: 1.05.25 to 1.11.25

Connecting local young people to the local marine environment through enjoying being on the water and connecting with nature.

Using water based activities (sailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking) to raise awareness and educate all age groups in how to protect our local marine and inland waters to safeguard the wildlife and habitats.

The aim of this project is to give more young people the opportunity to learn to sail in their local river while encouraging a deep appreciation of their local environment.

By combining the sailing programme with nature observation and monitoring activities, the project seeks to develop a sense of environmental stewardship.

This project will be carried out by the Royal Dart Youth Sailing Trust, in the Dart estuary, and will include:

• Providing worksheets for the young sailors to increase their awareness of the wildlife species living on the Dart Estuary and the environmental threats they face, such as plastic and sewage pollution, and agricultural run-off. This will introduces young people to their local riparian and marine ecosystems, and highlight the challenges they face.
• Hosting a series of environmental talks from local experts spanning water quality, native species, and the complexity of ecosystems.
• ‘Dart Estuary Custodian of the Year’ initiative to encourage active participation and eagerness to get involved, and promote the scheme more widely in the local community.

 

Images courtesy of Royal Dart Yacht Club.

IMPACT SUMMARY NOVEMBER 2024:

• 25 instructors and volunteers included in the project
• 30 sailing trainees aged between 8 – 16 years
• 270 year 6 students from local schools involved
• Beach cleans and water testing carried out
• Educational talks given by local environmental groups
• Dartmouth Academy water sports days x2 allowing some ~150 pupils access to Sea Kayaking and Paddleboarding.