Scottish Seabird Centre - Impact Report by Scottish Seabird Centre

IMPACT REPORT Edition 5

March 2023 - July 2023 Image © Jamie McDermaid

CONTENTS 03 Introduction 04 Audiences

Engaging individuals and communities throughout Scotland

06 Conservation

Supporting marine conservation in Scotland

08 Education

Connecting people and nature

10 Communities

Collaborating with local communities and scientific partners

12 Experience

Creating inspiring events, activities, and exhibitions

14 Supporters

Thank you to all those who have made our work possible

Image © James Glossop

INTRODUCTION The Blue Economy Vision for Scotland published by the Scottish Government in 2022 sets out the case for the role our marine environment plays in supporting livelihoods, the economy, prosperity, and wellbeing. The report advocates for the importance of harnessing blue opportunities and recognising that “our economies, livelihoods and well-being all depend on our most precious assets: Nature”.

In setting out the steps towards a ‘Blue Economy’ the Scottish Government has signalled a clear commitment to a collaborative approach and a ‘shared stewardship’. This is a recognition that partnership working and ocean literacy is key to change. At the Scottish Seabird Centre we have worked quickly in the first part of this year to ensure that these values are at the core of what we are doing; this can be seen in the significant progress made in our partnership work with the WWF-UK led Restoration Forth project. The State of Nature Scotland report 2023 highlights the importance of Seagrass restoration which is in its infancy in Scottish waters and we are proud to be actively involved in this initiative. In the first part of the year the seagrass team completed germination and biodiversity surveys at all the trial seeding sites. The first seagrass restoration activities on the East coast of Scotland were completed this spring enhanced by peer to peer learning with other organisations conducting seagrass restoration. Activity has also focused on an innovative collaboration with the Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery which, with funding

from the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF), has enabled the refit of their facilities to hold harvested seagrass prior to processing them for their seeds. Support from volunteers is highly valued in this project and the activities provide a wonderful opportunity for people to experience hands on citizen science and an opportunity to develop their practical skills. Working together in this way towards a common goal has been rewarding as we take an important step towards helping Scotland’s seas to recover. At the Scottish Seabird Centre a key focus is to inspire people to explore and care for Scotland’s coastal and marine environment and to support them with scientific evidence, information, skills and knowledge to make informed choices and take practical action. So, it is sobering news that the fourth and latest State of Nature Scotland report 2023 confirmed that “despite progress to restore ecosystems, save species and move towards nature-friendly land and sea use, Scotland’s nature and wider environment continues to decline and degrade.” Never has it been so important to work together, widen our reach, and champion ocean literacy. This report shares details of our achievements from February 2023 – July 2023 and shares more stories of collaborative and partnership working in support of our vision for healthy seas.

AUDIENCES

Engaging individuals and communities throughout Scotland We are committed to inspiring and motivating people to experience the beauty of the natural environment, better understand the pressures marine ecosystems are facing and to learn about how to take care of it. Through practical activities we help people to share knowledge and experience; build capacity and develop skills that better equip them to take positive action. Key to this is our ability to reach out to a wide and diverse range of people. Our education, community and outreach programmes, conservation activity, visitor experience and bespoke events help us to do just that. This spring and summer season our wide range of activities enabled us to reach out and engage with; parents and carers, young people, volunteers, teachers and lecturers, businesses, residents, families, environmental groups, sea users, marine specialists, scientists, and nature enthusiasts. We offer a welcoming and inclusive approach. By exploring innovative new partnerships, tailoring activities to different needs and enhancing our core activities we help people to benefit from being more connected with nature.

Image © Jamie McDermaid

The success of our work is in the collaboration with our audiences. In the past six months we, as a team, have worked hard to strengthen our links with our communities, partners, and visitors so that we can champion the need for the protection and recovery of marine environments more effectively. The following pages highlight our progress and impact.

Images © Helen Pugh

CONSERVATION

Supporting marine conservation in Scotland 49% decline in average abundance of Scottish Seabirds

(State of Nature Report Scotland, 2023)

Our seas, seabirds and marine wildlife face threats from climate change, overexploitation, invasive species, plastic pollution and chemicals. One of our roles is championing the importance of marine ecosystems, habitats and wildlife so that their value is better understood and more visible to people. We do this by responding to policy, using our expertise to advocate for change and by working in partnership with researchers to help inform policy and practice. Looking ahead there will be opportunities for us to contribute towards national and regional marine planning, fisheries management, Scotland’s biodiversity strategy and offshore renewables. Coastal habitat restoration, habitat maintenance trips to the Islands, biosecurity and managing invasive species are an important part of the work of our Conservation team. Examples of our impact include our SOS Puffin project and Restoration Forth. The Scottish Seabird Centre has led the SOS Puffin project partnership since 2007 on the Firth of Forth islands of Craigleith, Fidra and the Lamb. Working in partnership with the RSPB, project researchers and a dedicated

team of volunteers the project aims to control invasive tree mallow and to restore natural maritime vegetation to enable breeding seabirds to thrive. This has been successful and puffins and other seabirds have been able to nest unrestricted by tree mallow.

In 2006 over 80% of Craigleith island was covered by tree mallow. Thanks to the dedicated work of the project only 6% of the island is now covered by tree mallow. Status of the tree mallow report, Anderson 2021

400+

engagements at 2 science festivals

community partnership engagements

SOS Puffin volunteer trips

Image credits from the top © Emma Clements, Jamie McDermaid, Emily Burton

Feedback from conservation projects:

FIRST guided East Lothian snorkel tour delivered

There has been significant progress with the WWF-UK led Restoration Forth project, a major marine restoration programme working with communities to restore seagrass habitats and native oyster populations in the Firth of Forth. A trip to Orkney for seed collecting from donor sites, biosecurity surveys, mud sieving and seeding activities across three sites around the Firth of Forth were successfully completed in spring. The Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery in North Berwick has been refitted as our new seagrass processing unit. The team have also been busy creating inspiring creative communication materials including blogs and social media stories to raise awareness as well as trialling seagrass workshop content for young audiences. We have a track record, over 20 years, of bringing people closer to nature and communicating high quality science about seabirds and the marine environment. Our role in ecological monitoring, habitat management, research and reporting is key to enabling nature to be more resilient and to thrive.

“Would like to thank the team and praise them for their dedication and hard work with the ongoing challenge of keeping the dreaded highly invasive Tree Mallow in check. It could so easily quickly become a problem if not kept in control by SOS Puffins amazing team.” Volunteer feedback “It’s been great to see the effectiveness of the intervention and the change in the island over the years. Good job!” Volunteer feedback “What did you enjoy most? Satisfaction from knowing that puffin numbers in the islands have stabilised and increased because of the work we do to cut down mallow. Also the opportunity to visit otherwise inaccessible islands is a real privilege. Fresh air, stunning views and a chance to meet new people from all walks of life with lots of different experiences to share over packed lunch!” Volunteer feedback

Image credit © Chris Jones

EDUCATION Connecting people and nature NatureScot’s latest report 1309 ‘Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity loss in Scotland’ supports the view that educating young people about the importance of nature and sustainability is key to preparing children for future decision making. Outdoor education is seen as a lever for change. It is widely acknowledged that:

“ Positive childhood experiences in nature with significant adults are important in developing empathy and connection with nature, which in turn develop pro-environmental behaviours.”

(IPBES 2019) The education and outreach activities we deliver support and encourage positive pro-environmental behaviours through carefully designed sessions that provide up to date subject content and practical engagement outdoors. Our approach is inclusive and wide reaching with many young people being introduced to the complex issues of marine biodiversity loss, sustainability, and marine conservation by encouraging them to explore, experiment and innovate.

Image credits from the top © Jamie McDermaid, Helen Pugh

500+

formal school engagements

2 Dive In learning resource packs created exploring Seabirds and Seagrass

380

5 weeks of Holiday Club delivered with over 380 engagements

200+

Wildlife Club engagements

Feedback from beneficiaries of our learning programmes: “Participant: Best of all it was FUN which made learning and remembering easier. Parent: - it was great to see how much she had learnt and how confident she was in telling us about it.” Junior Scientist Club Feedback

“The session was fantastic, it allowed each child to gain a better understanding of sea life and all aspects suited the needs of each year group. The presenters were great with the children and this allowed for the session to be engaging.” Teacher Feedback Scotland’s Marine Superstars Workshop

“Thanks Jack for allowing us to come for a visit – it gave the children a great introduction to Marine habitats, which we are now following up on in class.” Teacher Feedback from Education Visit

Image credits from the top © Helen Pugh, Jamie McDermaid

COMMUNITIES

Collaborating with local communities and scientific partners NatureScot’s 2023 research report 1309 highlights societal values and behaviours as reasons that can contribute to the loss of species and habitats. It describes these as ‘indirect drivers’ and highlights the negative impact that peoples’ disconnect with nature, and the resulting lack of value placed on the importance of nature can have on biodiversity. Sharing knowledge, encouraging understanding, and promoting ocean literacy is a vital approach to help transform societal values and behaviours. We approach this through our citizen science activities which are rooted in educating and empowering people to build positive caring relationships with nature, our seas and coastlines. These activities in particular raises awareness, sow the seeds of a shared responsibility and help to educate and upskill people to make a difference. The Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Values Assessment Report (2022) advocates for “nurturing sustainability-aligned values across society” to address transformative change. Our strand of community focused work nurtures these values and demonstrates significant impact with this approach.

Image credit © Helen Pugh

Widening our reach, developing different partnerships, and creating new ways to interact are some of the methods we have explored engaging with local, regional, and national communities.

12 x weekly Introductions to Birdwatching sessions delivered in partnership with Changes (local mental health charity)

337

young people from primary and secondary schools took part in schools’ outreach activity

residents and carers from 3 Care homes joined us for beach walks and talks

Feedback from our partnerships: “A really fascinating talk.” Meet the Scientist attendee feedback “My son absolutely loved the Gannet Games, Beach Clean, Science Show and Rock pooling - he has asked if I could please book this for him every summer :-). Charlotte was so knowledgeable and patient with my son who was very keen to ask questions and share his knowledge too. Thank you for inspiring him. Thank you to the team for an excellent day.” Parent feedback

people engaged through 4 partnership events focused on lifelong learning, inclusivity, accessibility, and wellbeing for all ages.

1,000+

people engaged in activities, demonstrations, talks, walks rockpool rambles, outreach and Virtual Reality interactives at public events

“My club has recently been doing projects of their choosing and one group did a presentation on marine conservation. They said your resources page led them to some great sources of info so thanks for helping my young conservationists out!” Conservation Club Leader feedback “Well done! It was a highly informative evening.” Meet the Scientist attendee feedback

engagements over 8 sessions with young people from North Berwick Youth Project

305

people engaged in Community projects that improve the quality of the local environment (guided and self-led beach cleans) Image credits © Jamie McDermaid

EXPERIENCE

Creating inspiring events, activities, and exhibitions The spring and summer season saw many people engage with our visitor experience and sustainable tourism offer. Footfall increased in our visitor attraction with lots of visitors taking the opportunity to explore our marine discovery experience. Our educators helped them to learn more about Scotland’s marine wildlife through our digital and interactive exhibits and live science shows. Many individuals, families and communities took advantage of new opportunities to join us on coastal wildlife tours. Visitors on our partner boat trips, and shore watchers alike, were treated to exciting sightings of minke whales, dolphins, and seals. These activities alongside our bespoke events linked to local festivals and community projects created a vibrant experience for our local, national, and international visitors.

450+

engagements at our refreshed Live Science Shows

3 seasonal exhibitions hosted: Mapping Ocean Change through Art, Ocean Plastics and Birds of the Belly Bins

accessible learning sessions delivered in the Discovery Experience

Marine Fest held for 3rd consecutive year

9,950

people on 495 boat trips

Feedback from participants:

“We had an amazing time. For the smallish size of the exhibition space you certainly pack a punch. The interactives are fun and interesting for all ages, the kid’s trails very fun to do, the 3D video is amazing and the cinema videos very interesting too.” Visitor Feedback

“We had an incredible experience taking the Three Island Seafari to view the colonies on the Bass Rock, Lamb and Craigleith. Very knowledgeable guide, fantastic ride through the spray and the spectacle of nesting gannets (plus a few inquisitive seals) made for a really fun afternoon outing. Also, highly recommend refreshments in the Seabird Centre itself afterwards. Friendly staff and great home baking! ” Trip Advisor Review

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 (2023 -24) including: • AEB Charitable Trust • Awards for All • Avian Flu Appeal donors • Aviva Crowdfunder • Ballie Gifford • Benevity • Big Give Christmas Challenge Donors • Big Give Green Match Fund • Cirrus Logic International UK • Cray Trust • Cruden Foundation • East Lothian Educational Trust

• Enterprise Holdings Foundation • Forth Ports • Foyle Foundation • Garfield Weston Foundation • The Geoffrey Clarke Charitable Trust • Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust • Graham and Henrietta Somervell’s Wildlife Trust • Hamish and Doris Crichton Charitable Trust • Horace and Helen Gillman Trusts • Hugh Fraser Foundation • Inchcape Foundation • The J And JR Wilson Trust • John Lewis Plc • KPE4 Charitable Trust • Lothian Employees Fund • Mackintosh Foundation • Marjorie Coote Animal Charity Trust

• MEB Charitable Trust • Mindsets and Missions • The National Lottery Community Fund – Platinum Jubilee Grant • Nimar Charitable Trust • New Park Educational Trust • North Berwick Trust • The Path Trust • Zoological Society of Hertfordshire • Puffin Kitchen • Sandra Charitable Trust • Scottish Enterprise • Scottish Offshore Renewables • Scottish and Southern Energy • Sea-Changers • The Slater Foundation • Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund • Stafford Trust

• Swire Charitable Trust • Sylvia Aitkin Charitable Trust • Tay Charitable Trust • Viewforth Trust • Visions of Scotland • The Whitley Animal Protection Trust • Thistledown Trust • Walker 597 Trust • William Dean Countryside and Educational Trust • 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.

seabird.org Registered Charity SC025837