We are a not-for-profit community interest company founded in Cornwall in 2018, passionate about connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to the incredible wildlife found around our coastline. What started with our two co-founders has now grown to a team with over 100 volunteers. By engaging with local communities and promoting scientific exploration, we aim to create a sustainable network of healthy, well connected marine conservationists across and beyond the South West.
Recorded wildlife
since 2018
Species found
since 2018
Events hosted
since 2018
People attended
since 2018
Over the years, we have been grateful to receive funding from a variety of organisations, foundations and national governments. These contributions have ranged in focus and scope, and have been funded by the following:
The Rock Pool Project had the pleasure of hosting a series of engaging rock pooling events in Falmouth as part of Active Cornwall's Time 2 Move programme.
Experience a captivating adventure with our guided rock pool safaris – an engaging, enlightening and invigorating day!
The Rock Pool Project embarked on a transformative initiative to unveil the rich tapestry of marine life and heritage at the doorstep of the communities in Plymouth and Falmouth.
Rock pool ecosystems are biodiverse habitats home to many marine species, but they face growing threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. The Big Rock Pool Challenge engages communities in fun, educational activities to raise awareness about marine biodiversity and inspire action to protect these ecosystems. By involving citizens in monitoring and data collection, we will gather vital information to inform conservation and support sustainable coastal management.
Many people living in coastal areas have limited knowledge about their local marine environment and the species inhabit it. The Big Rock Pool Challenge provides an opportunity for locals to connect with their natural surroundings, discover marine species, and learn about the ecosystem. By engaging in hands-on activities, participants develop a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the importance of their local coastline. This experience fosters a sense of responsibility, encouraging individuals to actively protect and preserve their coastal environment.
Long-term health conditions are widespread in the UK, with a significant portion of the population living with one or more of these conditions. There is serious health inequalities related to long-term conditions, with certain demographic groups facing higher risks and poorer health outcomes. Our Blue Recovery project demonstrated a significant positive impact on health and wellbeing with 94% of participants reporting a positive impact on their mental health and 100% reporting a positive impact on their physical health. The Big Rock Pool Challenge will enable us to bring these benefits to people who need them the most.
Director
Co-founder and CEO
Director
Director
Director
South West Lead of the Big Rock Pool Challenge
Secretary
Over the years, we have been grateful to receive funding from a variety of organisations, foundations and national governments. These contributions have ranged in focus and scope, and have been funded by the following:
The Rock Pool Project has received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch the Big Rock Pool Challenge in 2024. The project will engage local communities in rock pooling events to collect biodiversity data and protect marine habitats along Southwest England's coastline.
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The Big Rock Pool Challenge is run in partnership with the Marine Biological Association (MBA), who lead on biodiversity data management, conservation data-sharing, and membership engagement.
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The Rock Pool Project has been awarded funding from the ScottishPower Foundation to expand the Big Rock Pool Challenge across the UK. Using the Bioblitz Battle approach, the initiative will engage communities in local conservation.
