Members of the public are being urged to share their favourite seaside memories as part of a marine conservation week.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to join in with their annual celebration of the sea for National Marine Week.

The celebrations will run from Saturday, July 27 until Sunday, August 11.

This year’s theme is 'Sea the Connection', which celebrates the diverse ways people feel connected with the sea.

The two weeks of activities are also being supported by TV presenter and adventurer Steve Backshall.

He said: “We're so lucky to have waters around our Great British Isles which are teeming with life, with treasures equalling anywhere else on this planet.

"Even if you don't live on the coast, you can still get involved with National Marine Week by learning about the deadly impact of pollution on our seas and doing a litter pick to make sure less plastic makes its way downstream.”  

For more information visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

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Wild Chesil Centre Wild Chesil Centre (Image: Sarah Hodgson)

Alongside a whole host of special events at its visitor centres, Dorset Wildlife Trust is inviting people to share their favourite seaside memories, adventures, and places on an interactive online map.  

Wild seas centre officer, Julie Hatcher said: “Dorset's seas are incredibly special and important to us all for all kinds of reasons, whether used for business or for our enjoyment.

"The variety of underwater habitats found in Dorset, from swaying seagrass meadows to muddy harbours and from rock pools to sandy seashores, provide endless opportunities to explore and are inspiration for our rich cultural activities too.

"We want everyone to share their sea stories with us.

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Children rockpoolingChildren rockpooling (Image: Alexander Mustard)

She added: "Everyone understands that our marine environment and wildlife is under threat and protection for the sea and what lives there is a top environmental priority.

"Helping this wildlife to recover will benefit us all, from locking away carbon, to supporting commercial activities and providing healthier waters for us all to enjoy.”

National Marine Week spans a fortnight due to varying tidal conditions around the UK.

There will be celebrations and events in Dorset such as a Marine Protected Areas cruise on the Fleet Explorer at Chesil Beach and a Rockpool Ramble at Kimmeridge Bay.  

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