As October comes to an end, so too does the five-year journey of the EU LIFE funded ReMEDIES project. Since its inception in 2019, this vital initiative, led by Natural England, has worked tirelessly to protect and restore some of our most critically endangered marine habitats: seagrass meadows and maerl beds. These underwater ecosystems, found across southern England, play a crucial role in biodiversity, climate resilience, and coastal protection. The ReMEDIES project has been instrumental in safeguarding them from the increasing pressures of recreational activities.
One of the core components of ReMEDIES has been the dedication of volunteers, who contributed an incredible 600 hours to Recreational Activity surveys in the Solent. This data, collected from locations like Osborne Bay, provided essential insights into how recreational boating and other leisure activities impact seagrass habitats, with the evidence gathered supporting the creation of a Voluntary No Anchor Zone (VNAZ) in Osborne Bay, a significant achievement for the project.
The VNAZ will help protect fragile seagrass meadows from the damaging effects of anchoring and mooring. This measure highlights how local engagement, backed by scientific research, can drive incredible conservation outcomes.
Since its launch, ReMEDIES has been dedicated to assessing threats to seagrass meadows from recreational activities including boats, moorings, and even walkers and bait collectors. If significant impacts were found, this evidence was key for informing the next steps to be taken, to protect or restore the habitats. Seagrass meadows, while offering homes to species like cuttlefish, seahorses, and stalked jellyfish, are slow to recover when damaged. They also help tackle climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon and protecting coastlines from erosion.
The project spanned five Special Areas of Conservation: the Isles of Scilly Complex, Fal & Helford, Plymouth Sound & Estuaries, Solent Maritime, and Essex Estuaries. The introduction of advanced mooring systems and habitat restoration activities have left these areas better protected and more resilient against future damage.
Tim Ferrero, Senior Specialist in Marine Conservation at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, noted “While the official project timeline ends this October, the legacy of Recreation ReMEDIES will live on. The research, tools, and methods developed over the last four years will continue to inspire new conservation efforts, and we hope to be able to continue the surveys at some locations as part of the Solent Seascape Project.
“As we reflect on the project's journey, it’s clear that ReMEDIES has not only contributed to the health of our marine ecosystems but has also forged a model for how conservation can succeed through volunteer engagement, scientific research, and international collaboration.”
The Solent’s seagrass meadows stand a little safer today thanks to the efforts of all involved in this pioneering project.