On Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th of June, 32 first-year students participated in a social action project with the Marine Conservation Society.
The first day saw students learn about marine pollution and how to lead and coordinate a beach clean, before taking part in their own beach clean in the afternoon. Students had to take on roles within their groups and develop an understanding of project management. Over 1000 pieces of litter were collected across a 100-metre stretch in Bexhill. This was mostly small plastics and metal.
The second day saw students take part in a youth consultation and a mini Hackathon. Students were posed with a question about how to meaningfully engage young people with the sea over a long period of time and come up with a solution. In groups, students came up with proposals for campaigns, apps, and residential activities. Students then had to ‘pitch’ their solutions to the rest of the groups. In the afternoon, students took part in an art workshop run by a local artist Lenka Wilkinson. They had the opportunity to do lino printing and use air dry clay to produce artwork based on materials and objects found on the beach.
Whilst gaining knowledge of conservation and marine wellbeing, students also developed key skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. They also found out about careers within a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and the role of policy and campaigns within mainstream politics.
We would like to thank Sophia from the Marine Conservation Society for her guidance over the two days, and Rother District Council for their support.
A big thank you to Wild Coast Sussex and the Marine Conservation Society, with special thanks to funders EU LIFE Programme and National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support.
