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A new documentary showcases the Solent Seascape Project and its benefits for people living on the South Coast. The film shines a light on the restoration initiative, led by the Blue Marine Foundation in partnership with ten organisations, and its potential positive impact on the economy as well as the mental well-being of residents in the region. The documentary, 'Sea, Land & City', which became available for streaming on WaterBear on Tuesday, October 16, highlights the UK’s status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and explores the benefits of a thriving natural environment.
Following filmmaker Mairead Cahill, the documentary embarks on a journey through different environments to raise awareness and attract commercial investment in nature. (Image: Supplied) The Solent Seascape Project is just one of several ventures featured in the film, which also includes forest restoration, the reintroduction of beavers for flood management, eco-friendly moorings, and 'living pontoons' for the revival of urban waterways. The Solent Seascape Project aims to restore four key habitats: oyster reefs, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and seabird nesting sites.
Cahill concentrates on the economic advantages of these restored habitats, estimating that they could generate up to £2 billion a year across the region through carbon, nitrate, and phosphate removal. The documentary also highlights the potential for these benefits to be realised across the UK, alongside improvements in biodiversity and species abundance. Jo Preston from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Sciences discusses the various benefits of oysters, including their role in cleaning water, supporting fish stocks, and providing carbon storage.
Marine biologist Theo Vickers takes Cahill to explore seagrass meadows around the Isle of Wight, highlighting the rich wildlife that residents may not recognise as being on their doorstep. The film was produced by Wonderoom, with co-production from Rubber Republic, and media distribution by WaterBear. It received sponsorship support from The Crown Estate, Blue Marine Foundation, and the West of England Combined Authority.
The Solent Seascape Project is backed by East Head Impact and the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme (ELSP), which is managed by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and funded by Arcadia. For more information about the Solent Seascape Project, visit solentseascape.com.
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