Meet some of our volunteers
Meet some of our incredible volunteers who are part of our nation-wide network working together for a cleaner, better protected ocean.
Sea Champion Rachael Ross has enjoyed re-connecting with the ocean
Being a Sea Champion has helped me to re-connect with the ocean and opened my eyes to so many challenges there are to our marine habitats and all that benefit from them, including us. It gives me great pride and has given me the opportunity to introduce my eight-year-old daughter to the positive work being done.”
Natalie loves helping such a worthwhile charity that she feels passionately about
In the office, I’ve mainly helped provide feedback for volunteer handbooks and transferred beach clean data to the online system. I love being able to help such a worthwhile charity and one that I feel deeply passionate about. All the staff are wonderful and have made me feel very welcome.”
Kerrie became a Sea Champion to help protect our wonderful oceans and coastlines
Kerrie Flockhart, Portobello
"I started wild swimming two and half years ago, after meeting another swimmer at a beach clean organised by our children and the Marine Conservation Society.
I often do a quick litter pick before my swims and always litter pick the same stretch of beach, so it's easy to notice any changes in the litter - particularly after bad weather and an increase in seaside visitors.
I recently walked 110 miles over 10 days, around the Forth coastline from Dunbar to Fife-Ness, litter picking, camping and swimming along the way.
Through 'Walk Forth', I discovered just how amazing and diverse the habitat and wildlife is. Unfortunately, I also learnt that litter is a major issue on nearly all the beaches I visited.
After my walk I became a Sea Champion and hope to continue learning about ways in which we can all help protect our wonderful oceans and coastlines.”
Karen believes that Sea Champions are helping to protect the Firth of Forth
Credit: Karen Wardie
“We’ve made a film, there’s a song, and a Book of Swims by a local illustrator. We also hope for the issue to be brought as a motion in parliament this November."
Karen also gives talks, holds stalls, and attends many events, including in the Scottish Parliament: “I feel that Sea Champions are starting to form a chain around the Firth of Forth. The potential is tantalising as so many hands make light work of protecting it.”
Niamh Byrne, North Yorkshire
I’ve led and assisted beach cleans and surveys along the Yorkshire Coast, collecting the all-important marine litter data. I’ve contributed towards various other vital citizen science projects, such as the Big Seaweed Survey and The Great Nurdle Hunt.
I’m also an education volunteer, delivering curriculum-linked ocean literacy lessons in schools, which is a great part of the marine legacy that the Marine Conservation Society invests in so passionately.
My Sea Champion work goes hand in hand with volunteering at British Divers Marine Life Rescue and I attend seal rescues across Yorkshire, seeing some sad entanglement cases, which emphasises the importance of the work done to mitigate these threats.”
Credit: Richard Harrington
As well as our main social media feeds, we also have local volunteer groups. Do follow to find out about the latest activities near you.
Scotland: Facebook Sea Champions Scotland
North East: Facebook Sea Champions North East
South West: Facebook Sea Champions South West
South and South East: Facebook Sea Champions South and South East
North Wales: Facebook Sea Champions North Wales
