Supporting spectacular seagrass

The Isle of Wight Distillery – home of Mermaid Gin – announces a new seagrass restoration partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Seagrass, which gets its name from green, grass-like leaves which form extensive meadows underwater and is one of only three marine flowering plants in the world, provides a unique ecosystem for the Island’s marine wildlife. It also captures carbon at a rate 35 times faster than tropical rainforests – giving rise to its nickname as ‘the lungs of the ocean’. And, thanks to phenomenon known as ‘Neptune balls’, seagrass meadows directly sieve millions of pieces of plastic from the ocean. As such, it’s an important natural solution to both the climate change and maritime plastic crises. Unfortunately, it is estimated that the UK has lost over 92% of its seagrass meadows in the last 100 years. Which is why the Isle of Wight Distillery is stepping up its environmental efforts by committing to support the restoration and protection of the Solent strait’s internationally important seagrass meadows. Part of the ‘#WilderSolent’ initiative run by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), the activity will see the Distillery positioned as a marine champion of the Solent and an ambassador for seagrass. Xavier Baker, Co-Founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery said: “Through our Net Zero initiative, we’re already supporting seagrass meadows abroad, but wanted also to have impact locally. The Solent is very dear to us all at the distillery, so we’re delighted to be part of the #WilderSolent initiative. Having gone plastic-free two years ago and then achieving Net Zero, it’s just another step in our journey to being an environmentally responsible business.” In addition to financial support, the distillery team will take part in the HIWWT’S ‘Marine Ambassador’ training scheme, with staff having the opportunity to become Solent ‘Marine Champions’. This will involve actively supporting activities such as intertidal and seagrass surveys and beach clean-ups. Dr Tim Ferrero, Senior Marine Biologist at HIWWT commented: “Enabling seagrass to restore to its historical levels needs a multi-faceted approach. Our Solent Seagrass Restoration Project is one part of the puzzle but equally as important is increasing awareness and support for this incredible marine species. This partnership will help inspire others and create a movement of businesses and individuals acting for seagrass, as well as other marine wildlife living in these waters. Together we will create a Wilder Solent”.

Working together for a wilder future: Xavier Baker with Tim Ferrero and Debbie Tann of the HIWWT

Follow the progress of the Solent Seagrass Restoration Project on Instagram: @hantsiwwildlife @isleofwightdistillery