Geopark in Focus: Episode 7 - Marine Life of the Bay
In this final episode, Prof. Iain Stewart and guests head around the coast and underwater to explore the internationally protected marine environment of the Geopark. Here the geology has created a wealth of intricate coves, sea caves and quiet nooks and crannies for a huge diversity of life to thrive both above and below water from gannets to guillemots, seagrass to seahorses and seals to whales! The group area recognise the incredible importance of this rich resource and how they come together with the community to help care for it.
Youtube video and podcast...
Featuring...
‘Growing up in Torbay ‘The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark’ it was really important for me to learn about my place, its wildlife, geology and history. I am in the fortunate position now to be able to volunteer and help others to develop an appreciation for their environment. It’s important for me to promote conservation of our wild places and people need to love something first before they look after it. The work of The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, brings groups together to promote conservation, raise awareness and generate that sense of place within the communities we live and work.’
Jess Churchill-Bissett, Local Marine expert, Torbay Cleaner Coasts Initiative and Marine Management Organisation
‘I was delighted to be asked to contribute to this project. Sharing knowledge and experiences about the incredible biodiversity found around Torbay is essential in effectively protecting it. There is a vast range of amazing habitats and species that we are so fortunate to share our lives with. Living amongst such wonder inspires me and enables me to contribute to science, education and community life in a positive way. Conservation has to be collaborative to succeed. Working with the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is hugely important in collating organisations and individuals for this collective contribution to conservation in the South Devon.’
Duncan Kenny is co-founder of The Seal Project and a marine medic
Clare Rugg is Senior Curator at Wild Planet Trust
‘I have enjoyed working on this important project as the Geopark is literally the bedrock on which my business sinks and swims! The Geopark helps me, and hopefully others, keep a much wider perspective on human interaction with such a wonderful space at a fragile time in its long history.’
