Inspiring documentary ‘Sea, Land & City’ uses the Solent Seascape Project to show how a flourishing natural environment boosts mental and financial wellbeing
A new film shines a light on the Solent Seascape Project, and the positive impact it can have on both the financial and mental health of those on the south coast who live near it. Our pioneering restoration initiative – a partnership of 10 organisations led by Blue Marine Foundation – has a starring role in the documentary ‘Sea, Land & City’, which launched last week.
Investigating nature-based solutions
The film’s staring point is data which suggest that the UK is ‘one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world’, and it goes on to examine the positive impact that a flourishing natural environment might have on the country’s economy, its climate, and the wellbeing of its citizens.
‘Sea, Land and City’ follows filmmaker Mairead Cahill on an inspiring journey across those three environments. It aims to raise awareness and encourage commercial investment in nature, and was funded in part with support from Blue Marine. Cahill visits ventures that offer nature-based solutions to the UK’s poor situation, and talks to the people involved.
Focusing on the Solent Seascape Project
Our work to restore four key habitat types: oyster reefs, seagrass meadows, salt marshes and sea-bird nesting sites, features in the film, with Cahill focusing on the economic benefits of restored oyster beds and the ecosystem services they provide, as well as wildlife-rich seagrass meadows off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
The documentary estimates that oyster reefs can provide up to £2 billion of value a year across the region, through carbon, nitrate and phosphate removal, and also points out the potential to scale across the UK, as well as improve biodiversity and abundance of species.
The power of wildlife
An interview finds our project partner Professor Jo Preston from the University of Portsmouth Institute of Marine Sciences praising ‘the humble oyster’, which ‘provides so much functionality – cleaning our waters, supporting fish stocks and providing carbon storage.’
“Many people do not realise the range of wildlife they have on their doorstep,” adds marine biologist Theo Vickers. “It’s about saying, well – look what we’ve got! Get out there and explore it. Take pride in it!”
As well as the Solent Seascape, other projects include the restoration of forests, the reintroduction of beavers to tackle flooding, eco-moorings that are kind to the seabed, and ‘living pontoons’ to restore urban waterways.
‘Sea, Land and City’ premiered at Blue Earth Summit in London on 16 October and is now free to stream on WaterBear. The film was produced by Wonderoom, with co-production partner Rubber Republic, media and distribution partner WaterBear and sponsorship support from partners The Crown Estate, Blue Marine Foundation and West of England Combined Authority.
