By connecting people with their local coastline, sharing knowledge, and inspiring curiosity through citizen science, we aim to grow a thriving, inclusive community of marine stewards across the UK.
Encouraging curiosity and action by engaging communities in hands-on citizen science and deepening their connection to local coastal environments
Learn moreBuilding knowledge and understanding of marine life and coastal ecosystems through hands on exploration and community events.
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Bringing people closer to nature and each other through events that foster wellbeing, learning, and a sense of community.
Learn moreLove for marine life through hands-on discovery.
Our events inspire people of all ages and backgrounds- from children to adults, amateurs to experts- to explore, record, and learn about local marine life. Through citizen science and hands-on activities like our BioBlitz Battles, we foster curiosity and a shared commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems.
“The project has been a great pathway for me to discover what’s around me – both people and wildlife. When I returned to Cornwall I never expected to be friends with so many marine biologists! It’s an amazing project and such a brilliant asset for the area.” -Vicky, Volunteer
“These events make my 7 year old son appreciate and love the natural world. They are incredibly unique and I can already see the profound effect they are having on how he values nature and wants to protect it. Thank you!” -Lowen, Participant
Please note: quotes are not sourced from those pictured.
From shoreline surveys to scientific insight.
Our Citizen science data generated through our events can be used to monitor rock pool ecosystem health, track species populations, and detect non-native species.
What do we find?
Our BioBlitz Battle events have so far recorded over 10,000 observations of over 650 different species through iNaturalist (as of July 2025).
Top 10 species:
Check out the top 10 most recorded species from our BioBlitz Battles below:
National records for different species groups:
See which species groups are most commonly found in our BioBlitz Battles, and which areas have the highest number of records (larger bubbles represent higher numbers of records):
Non-native species:
Non-native species, brought in from elsewhere, can harm local animals and plants and disrupt rock pool habitats, so it’s important to detect and monitor them.
So far, we have recorded more than 3000 observations of 36 different non-native species during our BioBlitz Battles, including:
Harpoon weed
Asparagopsis armata
23 records
Beaked barnacle
Austrominius modestus
24 records
Wireweed
Sargassum muticum
100 records
Developing marine citizen scientists:
Participants of all levels deepen their understanding through hands-on involvement, supported by knowledgeable volunteers and expert marine biologists who provide guidance and share their passion for marine life.
“I joined the rockpool project during my first year of university studying marine biology, I joined because I wanted volunteering experience in my field. However, I found myself learning more skills than I could imagine, my identification, handling, and animal care knowledge increased with every event. The rock pool project has been an essential part of my learned experience and the basis for my intertidal knowledge.” -Kyle, Volunteer
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Healthier, more connected communities.
Our rock pooling events help build stronger, more connected communities by bringing people together around a shared interest in the local coastline. Many coastal residents have limited knowledge of the marine life right on their doorstep, and these events offer a chance to discover and learn about the rich biodiversity in rock pools. Through hands-on exploration and guided activities, participants gain a deeper appreciation of the environment and the role they can play in protecting it. We create welcoming and accessible events to give people a sense of purpose and belonging within their communities.
79%
of Big Rock Pool Challenge participants agree that the events help them feel connected to local people
The Rock Pool Project has been life changing for me. In a difficult time for me personally, I discovered this incredible community of people who not only care deeply about the marine world and sharing it with as many people as possible, but who also care about each other and seeing everyone succeed together. I’ve loved every second volunteering with TRPP and I look forward to many many more! -Kate, Volunteer
Benefits of Rock Pooling for Health and Wellbeing
Spending time rock pooling and exploring nature offers clear benefits for both mental and physical wellbeing. The movement involved in walking on uneven ground and crouching to observe marine life supports balance, strength, and gentle physical activity. Being in nature helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve mood. Focusing attention on small details, like crabs or seaweed in rockpools, can be soothing and promote mindfulness. Time outdoors creates a break from screens and everyday worries, leaving people feeling more refreshed, focused, and connected to the world around them.
Our rock pooling events receive positive feedback for their impact on our participants’ wellbeing- boosting mood and fostering connection with nature and the local community.
“We have learnt how much wildlife is in our rock pools and enjoyed both times we have attended the event and look forward to taking part in more. I do believethe health and well-being of an activity like this is huge for children and the adults.” – Katie, BRPC participant
of participants agree that our Big Rock Pool Challenge has benefitted their health and wellbeing
of participants agreed that taking part in our Blue Recovery Project benefitted their mental health
“I joined the Rock Pool Project at a low point in my life. I'd gone through a traumatic event and was beginning a course of anti-depressants. Joining the project was a big leap as I didn't know anyone, but I'm so glad I did.” -Anonymous, Volunteer
We work with healthcare and community providers
With rock pooling being so beneficial for health and wellbeing, we regularly work with local healthcare and community providers to deliver tailored events.
Examples of previous partners:
Time 2 Move Holiday Programme:
We regularly deliver events with ActiveCornwall's Time 2 Move programme. These sessions offer children aged 5 to 16 anopportunity to explore the fascinating marine life along their local rockyshores during the school holidays.
See our blog post here
Healthy Cornwall:
Rock Pooling events aimed at keeping local families healthy. By attending tailored Bioblitz Battle events, participants can enjoy a fun day out while participating in low-impact exercise and benefitting from being in nature.
If you are a community/ healthcare organisation interested in arranging rock pool events, we’d love to work with you! Please reach out to us anytime at: info@therockpoolproject.co.uk
“The project was a game changer in terms of my recovery from long Covid. The gentle exercise was good for both myphysical and mental health and I have also got to know so many amazing people.I have made some great friends and really feel part of a connected community.” -Vicky, Volunteer
“Getting outside, being close to the ocean and to nature more widely, has definitely benefitted my mental health. Spending time with like-minded individuals, building friendships and supporting the team have filled me with gratitude.” – Anonymous volunteer
“Extremely welcoming and friendly and just so brilliant to be around experts who were able to show us just how many amazing things and hidden under our feet!” – Chloe, BRPC participant
“I have learnt so much and it has improved my confidence and sense of well-being. I think it’s such an incredible organisation to be involved with for many reasons. I think it benefits the community, allowing people to experience and see their home environment in a new/ different way. This raises and develops awareness of our natural world which is so important for the stability of our world, as well as theirs(rock pool creatures). It’s always such a warm, fun and insightful environment. It’s great and I’m very grateful to be a volunteer” - Anonymous volunteer
