Marianne Parker reflects on the growing impact of climate change, celebrates Torbay’s unique coastal environment and invites residents to discover how they can help protect local seas and rivers at this month’s Torbay Marine EcoFest.
As summer arrives earlier each year, temperature records of 35.1°C were broken again in May and we’re are experiencing a red health heat alert as I write this, , I wonder what the rest of this summer will bring? Climate change and the threat to biodiversity are huge challenges facing us all, in Torbay, across our country and around the world. Everyone has a part to play, however influential or modest. It starts with appreciating the amazing environment we have here in South Devon. We are privileged to live in a wonderful marine area, a naturally inspiring Bay, with rivers and waterways. Torbay has international environmental significance yet is at risk. How can we protect our local seas and rivers, understand what is the risk and what we can do? Come to the Torbay Marine EcoFest at St Matthias Church, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW 18th July, 10:30 am – 5 pm.
This free day event for the whole community will be an interesting, family fun day with environmental crafts and activities and some leading speakers on enjoying our marine environment. Leading marine environmentalists and organisations will speak on protecting the environment, improving biodiversity and water quality, safely enjoying our Bay and planning for the future. Activities will include seashore identification, water safety, a career in marine environmentalism and art highlighting our Bay. From10.30 -12.15 you can enjoy Craft Activities, Seashore identification, Water
safety and hear about how speakers have got involved in marine biology. At 12.15 there will be “Our Amazing Seas” Prize giving by the mayor for the creative arts competition, celebrating our wonderful marine environment.
From 1.30 – 5 pm there will be talks including:
Our Amazing Marine Environment: – Ocean Conservation Trust
Seagrass Meadows, Megan Ross Cove Discovery Project,
Improving biodiversity and water quality, Friends of the Teign.
Enjoying our wonderful Bay Water safety, National Coastwatch.
Joy and other benefits of wild swimming: Tina Lucas
Plans for the Bay by Torbay Council. For further details, please contact [email protected]. I hope you have a great time enjoying our wonderful coast in Torbay this summer.
