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 people engaged through 38 arts, crafts and science events during our Marine Festival

84%

of Marine Fest visitors encouraged to take more active role in marine conservation

300

people were able to interact with experts in the field via 7 Meet the Scientist events

5,000 older and isolated individuals reached through partnerships with care homes, received and benefited from nature-based wellbeing packs

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.”