Published: February 28, 2023 | Updated: 1st March 2023
New partnership to protect vitally important seagrass meadows
A new partnership between the Ocean Conservation Trust, Clean Sailors and Dorset-based navigation app, savvy navvy, will help to protect seagrass, one of the ocean’s most valuable habitats.
The aim of the campaign, #ProtectOurBeds, is to bring greater awareness to water users about the sensitive habitats that lie beneath the waves and help them exist in harmony.
Seagrasses are one of the most valuable and biodiverse habitats on the planet and provide multiple benefits to the environment and society.
They can be up to 35 times more efficient at absorbing carbon than rainforests of the same area; despite only covering 0.2 per cent of the ocean floor, seagrasses store ten per cent of the ocean’s carbon.
They also provide a habitat for rare and endangered species.
A single hectare of seagrass can support up to 80,000 fish and 100 million small invertebrates.
Mark Parry, Head of Ocean Habitat Restoration, said: “The Ocean Conservation Trust has been working with the boating community to conserve nature for the past decade so we are delighted to be the conservation lead in this project.
“The addition of sensitive habitat information on savvy navvy navigational charts is the first time the boating community can easily understand what lies beneath the keel.”
Through the #ProtectOurBeds campaign, users of the savvy navvy app will be able to see the location of sensitive seagrass habitats and Advanced Mooring Systems.
David Cusworth, Head of Innovation and Partnerships at savvy navvy, said: “While savvy navvy is all about simplifying boating technology by making navigation safe and easy for everyone, innovative campaigns helping boaters to make better choices when out on the water is something we feel very strongly about.
“This year we are looking to build one of the most insight-rich platforms on boating behaviour, helping marine businesses across the globe.
“The #ProtectOurBeds campaign is a great way to kickstart this.”
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New Directors join Poole BID as Jeanette steps down from Board
Two new Directors have joined the Board of Poole Business Improvement District (BID).
They are Luke Bennett, pictured left, General Manager of Delfino Lounge in Falklands Square, and Ross Rutt, Trainee Store & Spa Manager, LUSH Spa Poole.
Their appointments follow the decision of Jeanette Walsh, Owner of Truly Scrumptious, to step down after nearly five years as a Director.
Ross Rutt.
She said: “I have enjoyed being part of the team and watching Poole BID develop and grow.
“My business has also grown during this time, which is great news, and so I need to spend more time concentrating and developing this and I am unable to give the BID the hours of commitment I have given over the years.”
Jacqui Rock, Poole BID Lead, pictured left with Jeanette, said: “We wish Jeanette every continued success for her growing business.
“Jeanette was a tower of strength when I came into the role and I can’t thank her enough for her continued support over the past couple of years.
“We would also like to greet Luke and Ross to our Directorship and look forward to capitalising on their skills and experience to reinforce the quality of the current Board.”
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Tree-mendous! Christmas tree collection raises £7,000 for Julia’s House
Volunteers, businesses and supporters have helped raise just under £7,000 for Julia’s House children’s hospice by collecting more than 630 Christmas trees following the festive season.
Owners chose to have their real Christmas tree collected and recycled by Julia’s House, with the option to make a donation to support the charity’s lifeline of care for seriously ill children and their families.
Julia’s House staff and volunteers took to the streets of Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne and Purbeck to make their collections.
The team was also supported by volunteers and vans from local businesses, including the charity’s Christmas tree collection sponsor, Rubicon People Partnership.
Once collected, the trees were raken to Adventure Pirate, Lytchett Minster, and Bliss Aviation, Bournemouth, and recycled as chippings for use on Adventure Pirate’s paths.
The charity collected 404 Christmas trees in Dorset and a further 230 trees in Wiltshire, raising £6,934 in total.
Amanda Gillett, Community and SME Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said, “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to our Christmas tree collection this year.
“From our dedicated team of helpers, to the local people who chose to make a donation in return for collecting their tree, we’d like to say a jolly big thank you to everyone who took part.
“We’re thrilled to have raised so much to help provide our vital care for local families, and we hope to make our tree collection even bigger and better next year.”