Running from Saturday 26th July until Sunday 3rd August, the events around Cornwall’s shoreline aim to help people enjoy Cornwall’s marine wildlife and gain an ‘up close and personal’ experience of the lesser-known creatures and plants found in the sea. 

Discover Cornwall’s weird and wonderful marine wildlife alongside passionate local experts. Whether you're rock pooling on the shore, snorkelling over seagrass meadows, or scanning the waves for dolphins from a clifftop, there's something for everyone to enjoy. By taking part you’ll be helping us to monitor and record Cornwall’s wildlife.

Cornwall is home to some of the richest marine wildlife in the UK, from tiny rare colourful corals to giant basking sharks. The marine environment is sadly under mounting pressure from damaging fishing practices, development at sea and pollution from farming, sewage and plastic. Through its National Marine Week, Cornwall Wildlife Trust hopes to inspire a new generation of marine conservationists and volunteers to take action for nature.

Every year, National Marine Week explores a different theme. This year, the theme for the week is the seabed 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. 

From Bude to Mounts Bay and Rame to St Ives, events include snorkel ‘safaris’, rockpool ‘rambles’, ‘sea watches’ from the shore, beach cleans (including some with a silent-disco!), and localised marine days packed with activities.  

Katie Bellman, Marine Engagement Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says:

"National Marine Week provides an opportunity for all to explore their local coastline and get involved with the amazing associated Your Shore groups all around Cornwall.

“There’s something for everyone with over 25 events happening around the county.

Come and learn about Cornwall’s astounding marine life and what you can do to protect it." 

Jenny Tagney, volunteer at Friends of Par Beach group says:

“If Friends of Par Beach wasn’t part of the CWT Yourshore Network, National Marine Week might well pass us by!

“Instead, we have a gentle nudge to be part of a wonderful network of events across Cornwall, encouraging locals and visitors to join a variety of coastal activities. 

“The week is always timed to coincide with good tides, enabling great access to rock pools so that we can all brush up on our identification skills!”