A series of banners made by local artists can be seen in Amble Town Square
The rare marine plant seagrass is the subject of a new arts project centred around Amble.
Arts organisation Dovecote Street Arts, based in Amble, has partnered with the Stronger Shores Team working within Durham Wildlife Trust to deliver a new creative programme that will raise awareness surrounding seagrass.
Stronger Shores Engagement Officer Blair Watson said, “Alongside the other habitats investigated through Stronger Shores, kelp forests and oyster reefs, seagrass meadows are a key focus for understanding how we can protect our coasts against the effects of coastal erosion and flooding.”
He added, “We’ve chosen to work with groups in Amble, as alongside Lindisfarne, it is one of the only areas in Northumberland, and the wider North East, where you can find seagrass.
“Seagrass is important as it helps to retain sediment which slows coastal erosion, provides a vital habitat to marine life, and is also extremely effective at carbon capture, aiding in the fight against climate change.”
Dovecote Street Arts co-director Luke McTaggart adds, “We’re thrilled to be working with Stronger Shores to raise awareness surrounding seagrass in our local community.
“We’ve been exploring lots of ideas through our network of artists and monthly ‘Crit’ meetings and it’s clear there is a real depth of response to the issues we’ve been raising. Being from such a beautiful part of the world it’s natural that people are keen to work to protect the landscape and environment.”
The project launched with a series of banners featuring artwork from local artists displayed during the town’s Puffin Festival.
Over the coming months Dovecote Street Arts will be running a series of free workshops both for local art groups in the area, as well as for members of the public that are keen to take part.
Anyone interested in taking part is urged to email: dovecotestreetarts@gmail.com or follow Dovecote Street Arts on social media.
