Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s seagrass restoration project has been named the official charity for the 2023 Southampton International Boat Show.

“We are delighted to be chosen as the Southampton International Boat Show’s charity,” commented Dr Tim Ferrero, the Trust’s senior marine biologist and lead on the Solent Seagrass Restoration Project.

“As the show’s chosen charity, we have an amazing opportunity to showcase the work we do at the Trust and raise awareness of seagrass restoration and protection and hopefully generate some additional funding to support the project.” 

The Trust seeks to see seagrass habitats in the Solent restored to their historical levels and for seagrass to be present in all locations that could support it.

“For a number of years, the show has supported participation and accessibility causes but this year we wanted to focus on an environmental charity, so we are delighted to be supporting Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and their work to protect and restore seagrass habitats in the Solent,” commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.

Image: Theo Vickers

By restoring seagrass habitats, a wilder sea is created supporting increased biodiversity and sustainable fisheries, promoting greater ecosystem services, cleaner water and creating a natural carbon solution to mitigate the effects of climate change. In October 2019, the Trust launched its Wilder 2030 strategy, which calls for a wilder future and for at least 30% of land and sea to be restored for nature’s recovery by 2030.

The Solent Seagrass Restoration Project is a vital piece of the puzzle in working towards the Trust’s vision to restore seagrass habitats in the Solent to their historical levels. To date, with the help of some 200 Seagrass Champion volunteers, the Trust has planted over 40,000 seagrass seeds at Langstone Harbour and Seaview on the Isle of Wight, with a view to plant an additional 2,000+ seed pods throughout 2023.

Visitors to the show can show their support by making a donation, from £1 to £100, to the charity when they purchase their boat show tickets as part of the checkout process. There will also be opportunities to make donations at the show on the Trust’s stand and at donation points located at the bars around the show.

So, pay a visit to the stand to meet the team and learn more about their projects or drop by the Foredeck Stage where they will be speaking about the work of the Trust and the Seagrass project – details coming soon!

Find out more about Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust at: www.hiwwt.org.uk

For more information about the Seagrass Restoration Project visit: www.hiwwt.org.uk/seagrass-restoration

Want to sponsor a seagrass pod? Visit www.hiwwt.org.uk/sponsor-seagrass-seed-pod to find out how.

The Southampton International Boat Show is the biggest UK marine festival and one of Europe’s largest on-water events. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the show boasts some 600+ exhibitors, hundreds of boats, plus an array of attractions and exclusive show features. 

From tall ships to dinghies, paddleboards to fliteboards, kayaks to catamarans, SUPs to superyachts there’s a boat for everyone at the Southampton International Boat Show which runs over 10 days from 15-24 September, and with your Quayside Club VIP ticket you will bring a luxury to your visit, for a totally unique boat show experience.

Get your ticket

Support seagrass restoration and protection when you purchase your show ticket.

To purchase your show tickets and make a donation to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust – Solent Seagrass Project visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/  

Upgrade your visit with the exclusive Quayside Club VIP package at https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.

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