IMPACT REPORT
Image © James Glossop
Edition 1 2021
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CONTENTS 03 Introduction 04 Audiences
Engaging individuals and communities throughout Scotland
06 C onservation
Supporting marine conservation in Scotland
08 E ducation
Connecting people and nature
10 C ommunities
Collaborating with local communities and scientific partners
12 E xperience
Creating inspiring events, activities, and exhibitions
14 S upporters
Thank you to all those who have made our work possible
Image © Susan Davies
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INTRODUCTION Scotland’s marine environment is exceptional and diverse.
It supports over 6500 species of animals and plants and encompasses 61% of the UK’s total sea area. Scotland’s seas provide vital natural services to society and make an important economic contribution including climate mitigation and adaption, food provision, renewable energy, coastal defences, education, scientific discovery, wildlife and adventure tourism. Our ocean wildlife and habitats are under unprecedented threats from the twin crises of nature loss and climate change, the effects of which are being felt across the globe. As a conservation and education Charity we inspire and educate people about the Scottish marine environment, motivating them to care for it and to support conservation efforts. Our vision is to help ensure that Scotland’s marine environment is healthy, wildlife-rich, valued and enjoyed by all. Our work to support our vision is structured around four key pillars Conservation, Education, Community and Experience.
In this report we share details of our achievements in the first 6 months of 2021 and the contribution to national and international marine conservation goals. These include the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework and Green Recovery Plan to achieve net Zero.
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AUDIENCES
Engaging individuals and communities throughout Scotland We inspire a wide range of people to marvel at, and learn more about, Scotland’s marine environment and its wildlife. We do this through our learning activities which take place at our Centre in North Berwick, as part of our outreach programmes and through digital resources. Our Discovery Experience is a great asset for supporting people from near and far to learn more about Scotland’s marine environment. Expanding our learning programmes to reach a wider number of young people within a day’s travel of our Centre remains a priority for us. We are also extending our focus to include more intergenerational content. This includes building our offering for tertiary audiences, as well as developing a culture of life-long learning and active ageing. Reaching out to new audiences is of great importance.
Image © Mr Smith Aerial
Events surrounding Covid-19 have highlighted the inequalities which continue to exist in our society. These include the significant impact on mental health for those who are isolated, as well as the need to ensure digital inclusion. Evidence indicates that the assumption that young people are ‘digitally literate’ and confident using digital platforms is a misnomer. We are also aware that there are many who face additional barriers to engagement including individuals and groups with additional learning needs or disabilities. As we develop our digital offer, we will use it as a way of engaging further with people who cannot visit our Centre in person, but who wish to learn more about our marine environment. We will use this as an opportunity to forge new partnerships working with harder to reach groups in society.
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CONSERVATION
Supporting marine conservation in Scotland Our marine wildlife and habitats are under increasing threat from the global impacts of the climate crisis and nature loss.
90%
of global warming has been absorbed by the oceans, resulting in rising sea temperatures, sea levels and deoxygenation
1.5°C anticipated rise in global temperature by 2052
As a Charity our goal is to ensure marine habitats and wildlife are adequately protected, restored and resilient to these pressures.
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SOS Puffin work parties tackling tree mallow on local islands
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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released in August 2021 makes it abundantly clear that human activity is changing our climate in unprecedented and, in some cases, irreversible ways.
people contributed to citizen science surveys supporting marine conservation
Iconic species such as Atlantic puffins and Black-legged kittiwakes are in steep decline To support this we are developing, demonstrating and promoting models of conservation best practice and citizen science. In January – July 2021 these have included:
470
volunteers engaged in marine conservation projects
20+
community / self-led beach cleans, engaging 131 people and removing 33 bags of litter
Image credits clockwise from top © Greg Macvean, © Emily Burton, © Karen Bates
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Feedback from conservation projects: “The SOS Puffin project has depended entirely on our wonderful volunteers who have worked so hard clearing the invasive plant tree mallow so that puffins can nest. This year they have also carried out a count of the nesting puffins on the islands near North Berwick. On Craigleith this is a major task involving lines of counters covering every inch of the island to ensure all the puffin burrows are found. It was encouraging that numbers on Craigleith have increased significantly over the last three years to 4,168 breeding pairs and remain high on Fidra at almost 1,000.” John Hunt, SOS Puffin project founder
Image © Greg Macvean
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EDUCATION
Connecting people and nature Evidence shows that fewer children are able to access nature and wild spaces. Less than 10% interact with nature and the countryside compared to 40% in the 1970s and 1980s.
34%
70%
© Nature Scot 2020
© Nature Scot 2020
of Scots get a daily dose of nature, compared to 22% prior to lockdown
cite health as a motivator for getting outdoors
As a Charity our goal is to ensure everyone has an opportunity to engage with the Scottish marine environment and has access to informative educational resources.
Recent research shows that connecting to nature at all ages has a positive impact on physical and mental health.
63%
surveyed stated their experiences helped them de-stress, relax and unwind © Nature Scot 2020
To support this, we deliver marine education programmes, science resources and events that are relevant to national education frameworks.
89
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33
264
children engaged in outdoor, naturebased activities through 68 Holiday Club and weekly Wildlife Club sessions
students engaged across 5 events with 4 Universities, raising awareness of and promoting career opportunities in the science and conservation sectors
Dive In learning packs produced on topics such as biodiversity, citizen science and marine careers
children and young people inspired through curriculum-linked workshops
Image credits © Clockwise from the top Seabird Learning Team, Barbara Schofield, Jane Minion
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short films created to engage younger children and families
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Feedback from beneficiaries of our learning programmes:
“During my teaching career I have been fortunate to experience some amazing shows, but I can genuinely say that with regards to pupil engagement, interest and impact, your show ranks amongst the very best.” Mayfield Primary School Teacher “The young people came alive, asked questions, were curious, confident and had fun. The team were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and engaging.” Venture Trust leader “10 out of 10 for everything. The workshops absolutely supported what we are currently focusing on in the classroom. Everything was very informative and interesting. We would definitely visit you again.” Scotland’s Rural College
Image © Phil Wilkinson
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COMMUNITIES
Collaborating with local communities and scientific partners “Connecting people with nature, generating an affinity for it and then drawing upon this love to prompt proper conservation has never been more important”. Chris Packham, naturalist, TV presenter, writer and campaigner
COVID-19 has highlighted the important link between environmental health and the wellbeing of people. More people are enjoying local green and blue spaces and are feeling more connected and appreciative of nature. As a Charity our goal is to ensure that people, through having a positive engagement with our work, are motivated to help conserve Scotland’s seabirds and marine environment. We do this by working in partnership with local groups and the scientific community to provide resources and activities that enable people to enjoy, increase understanding of and contribute towards practical conservation projects.
6,700 300 people engaged through 38 arts, crafts and science events during our Marine Festival
people were able to interact with experts in the field via 7 Meet the Scientist events
84%
of Marine Fest visitors encouraged to take more active role in marine conservation
5,000
older and isolated individuals reached through partnerships with care homes, received and benefited from nature-based wellbeing packs
Image credits clockwise from top © Charlotte Foster, © Emily Burton
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Feedback from our partnerships: “What wonderful work you have all still managed to do whilst dealing with a pandemic. I am so happy to hear our support had the positive impact it was intended for. It was good to read and understand a bit more about the Scottish Seabird Centre and your links with the community, especially the Dementia Unit which I am sure for most of us we will know someone who has been affected by Dementia. You have an eventful 2021 planned and if we can take any positives away from this year it is the way we have adapted, creating online content, found new ways of connecting and appreciating what we have closer to home.” Scottish Enterprise - funder
“The sheer variety of what (the Wellbeing pack) offers is great – something to go back to, stimulating, informative and just lovely! Thank you so much. (It was) like being at the Centre and on Bass Rock without having to leave the house!” Feedback from Wellbeing pack beneficiary
“Introducing modern technology and different virtual services such as Zoom and Skype video calling, has become a key for People to maintain contact with their loved ones, the local community and also enabled us to offer new and innovative ways for offering entertainment. We are very hopeful that these new ways of engaging People in their 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond will continue and expand for a long time after the pandemic is over.” Care Provider - partner Feedback from MarineFest attendees: “We absolutely loved this zoom session with Jill Calder (author and illustrator). It was great to see my two boys actively drawing and getting into the ocean, figuratively speaking… one day we’d love to visit in person but it was solidly special and on topic to join from across the North Sea.” “Thank you for hosting this event. It’s the second online one I have attended which has been organised by you and I have booked for a few more. Great idea to give people the opportunity to participate from their homes.”
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EXPERIENCE
Creating inspiring events, activities, and exhibitions “The Scottish Seabird Centre … is a bridge between the wild spirits of the ocean and the enquiring minds who want to discover it”. Simon King, Wildlife cameraman and broadcaster Studies indicate that only 13% of the world’s oceans remain untouched by the damaging impact of human behaviour. Through our 5-star visitor experience, wildlife adventure tourism, and digital technology, we provide a year-round immersive experience that gives people the opportunity to dive in and explore Scotland’s marine environment. As a Charity our goal is to develop our position as a recognised national marine education and tourism experience that helps people make informed choices about the marine environment.
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people landed on the Bass Rock the world’s largest Northern gannet colony
Image credits clockwise from top © Rob McDougall, © Darwin200
Following our reopening at the end of April, as the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted, we have ensured returning visitors are given the best possible experience. We were the top-rated attraction in a survey undertaken by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
31,595
visitors to our Centre
450
boat experiences for 6,484 people around the Firth of Forth islands
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events that engage young children and families on topical marine conservation
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“The Discovery Experience was memorable, informative and enjoyable. The guides were so well versed and interesting. Their enthusiasm and commitment was great to see” Trip Advisor Reviewer “We enjoyed a rib boat trip with Robin skippering and the very friendly and informative Aislinn. We saw many seabirds as expected but also saw several pods of dolphins and seals. The guide was very good with local information and facts as well as pointing out all the wildlife. A great tour with plenty to see.” Trip Advisor Reviewer
Image © Susan Davies
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SUPPORTERS Thank you to all those who have made our work possible We are grateful to all the loyal supporters, companies, Trusts and foundations who make our work possible. Our particular thanks go to this year’s supporters (February 1 onwards) including: Adapt and Thrive (Scottish Government)
Sandra Charitable Trust Scottish Government – Visitor Attraction Support Fund Scottish Seabird Centre Friends, Members and Volunteers Slater Foundation St Mary’s Charity Strategic Business Framework
BeGreen Dunbar
Tay Charitable Trust
Benevity
Thistledown Trust
Big Give – Green Match Fund donors
Whitley Animal Protection Trust
Cirrus Logic International UK Enterprise Holdings Foundation EventScotland – Year of Coasts and Waters 2021 Inchcape Foundation In memoriam and legacy donors Kiltwalk donors MEB Charitable Trust NatureScot North Berwick Trust Robertson Trust
Image © Susan Davies
William Grant Foundation William Haddon Charitable Trust Many more generous individuals have supported us financially, as well as through their time, expertise and gifts in kind. While it is not possible to list the many generous individuals who have given, we are extremely grateful.
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seabird.org Registered Charity SC025837
Image © James Glossop
