Secrets of the Solent
The Solent is a special place, with endless surprises just beneath its surface. There are vast seagrass meadows and intricate chalk reefs, as well as fascinating species like seahorses, thresher sharks, and cuttlefish.
Our project Secrets of the Solent shone a spotlight on this vibrant marine environment. Over four busy years we celebrated our extraordinary waters, the amazing people and wildlife that share them.
Secrets of the Solent was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We want to thank them and everyone who has given their time and resources to making the project happen - we couldn't have done it without you.
News and blogs
Learn about our marine world and hear what we achieved through the Secrets of the Solent project.
Secrets of the Solent: A Reflection
From colossal marine murals to wildlife-saving Seabins, Secrets of the Solent has achieved amazing things during its four-year duration…
Ambitious new mural project shines a spotlight on the Solent’s protected wildlife habitats
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has been working with Southampton-based artist and illustrator, Hannah Horn, to create a…
Winter wading birds
The Solent is visited by over 125,000 wading birds, ducks and geese every winter. Marine Champion Millie Payne tells us more about these…
Thorness Bay: My first intertidal survey experience
Martha, one of our volunteers, shares her experience of taking part in her first intertidal survey at Thorness.
A sea full of superheroes
Forget Aquaman! Read on for the real superheroes in our seas…
How to draw an octopus
Ever wanted to learn how to sketch a cephalopod? Now's your chance!
Giant wildlife mural unveiled near Southampton
Street artist ATM completes final painting in series of six across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that celebrate the Solent’s…
What are microplastics and why are they so harmful?
Marine Champion Natalie Harris talks tiny plastics and the extraordinary amount of damage they can do to our marine ecosystems.
Connecting to nature: Volunteering for wellbeing
Volunteer, Sonya Dibbin, shares her first intertidal survey experience and discusses the positive impact nature can have on our mental…