Donate to the Studland Bay Appeal
You'll be helping to restore and protect the vital seagrass habitats at Studland Bay in Dorset. Thank you for your support.
Studland Bay Appeal
Donate to the Studland Bay Appeal
OR
£
could help to restore the habitat of the long-snouted seahorse in Studland Bay
Beneath the waves of Studland Bay lie the most extensive seagrass meadows in Dorset. This significant habitat is under threat, particularly from recreational boating as traditional anchors and chain moorings damage the sea bed. Donate today to restore and protect Studland’s seagrass meadows.
Seagrass is the only marine flowering plant and seagrass meadows are one of the most valuable and biodiverse habitats in our seas. It’s home to a variety of protected wildlife, including both species of native seahorses and many species of commercial fish. Seagrass is important for people too. The meadows reduce coastal erosion and help to tackle climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We're working with boat clubs, conservation organisations, scientists and local community groups to take collective action to protect this vital habitat.
In 2021, several organisations with a shared passion to protect Studland’s seagrass meadows came together to form the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP). The partnership is working to restore Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow collaboratively and sustainably, so nature can thrive and people can experience the area without impacting the recovery of this ecosystem. The installation of 100 eco-moorings in the bay is an essential part of this work, which will allow boats to moor without the damage that a traditional mooring or anchor causes.
With your help, we’ll continue to restore this precious habitat and ensure people will be able to enjoy these waters for years to come.
Did you know...
10 per cent
of the ocean’s total burial of carbon is captured by seagrass
Up to 92 per cent
of seagrass meadows have been lost in some areas since 1936
100 eco moorings
are aimed to be installed in Studland Bay
How your donation can help
All of the funds raised via this appeal will be used directly by SBMP towards marine conservation in Studland Bay. We're currently managing this fund on behalf of the partnership. If and when the time comes that the partnership is established as a separate legal entity in its own right, such as a community interest company, then all funds will at that time be transferred from us to the new entity.
About the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP)
SBMP formed to care for Studland’s seagrass beds and marine wildlife such as the protected long-snouted seahorse population. You can find out more about them on their website.
Donating as a business
If you're a business looking to support SBMP, please email Dorset Council at dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
Our partners
boatfolk are creating great marinas for everyone that wants to be in, on, under or by the water.
Dorset Coast Forum is an independent coastal partnership to deliver on a whole range of opportunities that are relevant to the Dorset coast.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK, managing more than 40 nature reserves for wildlife and people in Dorset.
The RYA exists to get more people into boating and watersport activities, promote safe boating practices and raise the standards of yachting and sailing in the UK.
The University of Southampton is a global top 100 university with expert academics and research that's addressing some of the most challenging issues facing society.
Studland Parish Council makes decisions on issues that affect the local community in the Studland area and Brownsea Island.
Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. They help to protect and restore our natural world.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.