Solent Seascape Project

The Solent Seascape Project is the first of its kind in the UK, initiating the recovery of the ecosystem across an entire seascape — the area where sea meets coastline and adjacent land. Our long-term vision is to protect and restore at least 30 per cent of the Solent’s seascape, tipping the balance from a degraded state to a naturally expanding, connected and productive ecosystem. By restoring and connecting the Solent’s seascape, we will provide nature-based solutions to many of the issues currently affecting it and the people who depend on it, as well as helping to fight the impacts of climate change. 

Restoration work continues on the four Solent habitats we are working with partners to protect. In the River Hamble we trialled the use of biodegradable barriers to protect the saltmarsh. Project Seagrass and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust conducted seagrass trials on both sides of the Solent to increase this diminishing resource, which is home to endangered seahorses and juvenile fish populations. 

To help seabirds such as terns and gulls, Natural England and the RSPB created ten nesting islands in North Solent National Nature Reserve and across Pagham Harbour, while an additional 5,000 native oysters were added to the Hamble restoration reef. Increased spat numbers indicate these restored populations are reproducing and settling.  

Engaging with a growing audience, team members presented at conferences including ReMeMaRe, and the UN Ocean Decade. The Solent Seascape Project was endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Action, making it part of a worldwide network contributing to goals for the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity. We also hosted knowledge exchange visits, including for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Defra.  

A new website and increased social media widened our online presence. Nationally we reached millions through press releases; locally we worked with more than 540 volunteers. A new film about our work to protect some of Britain’s rarest seabirds was also released. 

The Blue Climate unit published two reports to support the project: ‘Seagrass vs Water Quality’ and ‘Restoring Our Seascapes’ highlighted the importance of blue carbon ecosystems in the British Isles, recommending policy changes to reduce pressures on them and accelerate restoration.  

For further details visit the Solent Seascape Project website. 

Restoring the Solent’s Seascape: for people, nature, and climate Project Information Sheet