Bloody Henry Sea Starfish near Trevose Head, Image by Matt Slater
National Marine Week
Find events near you!Celebrate National Marine Week with us in Cornwall!
National Marine Week, led by The Wildlife Trusts, is a UK-wide celebration of the incredible life beneath our waves. Here in Cornwall, we’re marking the occasion with a fantastic programme of events from 26th July to 3rd August — and you’re invited!
Join us to discover Cornwall’s weird and wonderful marine wildlife alongside passionate local experts. Whether you're rockpooling on the shore, snorkelling over seagrass meadows, or scanning the waves for dolphins from a cliff-top, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s theme dives into the seabeds beneath the waves, shining a spotlight on the hidden habitats and species that make our seas so rich and vibrant. These underwater landscapes are often out of sight and out of mind — but they're vital, beautiful, and worth protecting.
So come along to an event, follow us on social media, and take a deeper dive into the amazing marine life around Cornwall’s coast!
What's On?
Did you know that the Cornwall Wildlife Trusts' Your Shore Network consists of marine conservation groups spread throughout the county? From Bude to Mounts Bay and Rame to Portheras you can join in on the fun and get involved your local National Marine Week events! These outstanding groups dedicate their time and resources to leading practical action and sharing the story of nature recovery throughout their communities.
Check out the Cornwall Wildlife Trust 'What's On' page to see all the cool events the volunteers organise.
Don't forget to follow your local group on social media to stay in the loop and keep up with marine conservation activities on your patch of coast.
Get involved in National Marine Week 2025: See you on the shore!
More events to be posted here soon!
National Whale and Dolphin Sea Watch
In collaboration with the Sea Watch Foundation's citizen science project, join Seaquest Southwesters for several cliff top surveys throughout the week from 11am - 1pm:
- Saturday 26th July - Mayon Cliff Lookout, Sennen
- Monday 28th July - The Rumps
- Wednesday 30th July - Pencarrow Head, nr Lantic Bay
- Saturday 2nd August - Lizard Point
Help research the distribution of whales, dolphins, and porpoises around the UK by joining marine conservation groups around the county on their monthly Seaquest Sunday- 3rd August.
Lizard Point Wildlife Watch
Head to the National Trust Wildlife Watchpoint at Lizard Point to chat with volunteers about recent wildlife sightings, including Atlantic grey seals, dolphins, porpoises, sunfish, and occasionally whales and basking sharks. Open daily from 11am to 3pm, 1st April to 1st October.
Photo: Matt Slater
Seaquest Sunday!
The first Sunday of every month brings sea watchers from all over Cornwall to the cliff-tops and lookout points. Seaquest Southwest collaborates with marine and coastal wildlife groups to set up sea-watching sites supported by the local community. From 11 am – 1 pm on Sunday, 3rd August, you can join the following:
- Newquay Marine Group on Towan Headland
- Falmouth Marine Conservation Group on Pendennis Point
- St Ives Bay Marine Group at the St Ives NCI Station
- Three Bays Wildlife Group at Dodman Point
- St Agnes Marine Conservation Group at the St Agnes Head NCI Station
- Perranporth Marine Conservation Group on Cligga Head
- Bude Marine Group at North Widemouth Viewpoint
Visit Marine and Coastal Centres Around Cornwall
Over the summer, Cornwall's coasts host many groups and individuals volunteering to support their local environment and teach people about the marine and coastal world. They also strive to educate on good practices and protect people and wildlife so everyone can enjoy nature. Pop in and chat with the local National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) stations, National Trust Watchpoints, and the Marine Centre at Polzeath to see and learn more about our fabulous marine life!
© Paul Naylor
More info is available here:
Take action for Cornwall's seas
No matter where you live in Cornwall, whether on the coast or inland, you can do your bit to help our marine life.
