Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP) has kicked off 2026 by awarding ten community groups funding through its new Blue Sparks Community Grants Programme, supporting projects that help more people connect with, enjoy and protect Plymouth Sound.
The scheme, delivered by PSNMP and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will run for the next three years. It will help grassroots organisations develop ideas that improve access to the water, deepen understanding of blue spaces, and celebrate Plymouth’s maritime heritage. Grants of up to £2,500 and in special cases £5,000, are available. This year, £40,000 has been allocated to ten successful applicants.
This year’s ten Blue Sparks grants have been awarded to:
BBSB Community Forum, Precious Plastic Plymouth & Tavistock CIC, Open Kamera CIC, Ethical Activities CIC, Fotonow CIC, Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, East End Development Trust, Big Sis CIC, Turnchapel History Group and BluGreens CIC.
Each project will help communities engage with Plymouth Sound in new ways, from creative heritage activities to improvements to local blue spaces.
One of the selected projects, Kelp Regen, led by Plymouth-based BluGreens, is an applied innovation initiative integrating seaweed cultivation into harbour environments. Using dormant harbour infrastructure during winter months, the project aims to improve water quality while producing organic soil enhancers that reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, supporting a circular blue‑green economy. Alongside the cultivation work, BluGreens will deliver community outreach and educational activities focused on sustainable ocean practices.
Another funded initiative Precious Plastic Plymouth and Tavistock CIC will be delivering a Creative Beach Clean & Recycling Challenge, an imaginative, hands-on project connecting people with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through creativity, science, and community action.
Participants will transform waste into new products using our pedal-powered plastic shredder and mini-injection moulder, turning local litter into functional, beautiful items such as door handles, small pots, or buttons. These hands-on sessions are energising and empowering: people literally pedal their waste into something new.
Dr Kate Crawford from Precious Plastic Plymouth commented.
“The team are excited to be part of the Blue Sparks program. We are looking forward to meeting the other Sparks and getting busy recycling ocean plastics with the people of Plymouth.”
Lastly Barne Barton and St Budeaux Community Forum will be using Blue Sparks funding to develop a creative community engagement project that will reconnect residents with Kinterbury Creek, a hidden blue space in Barne Barton, through storytelling, seasonal events, and the creation of a digital archive. It will link into a wider Blue/Green theme for the year across the community, forming one part of a series of connected projects (Image attached).
Each grant is unique and offers a different connection to the marine park, reaching out in turn to wide demographic, through various innovative and transformational projects.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“The Blue Sparks grants are a fantastic way for local groups to get involved with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, bringing community-led projects to life that help people enjoy, learn about and protect the waters on our doorstep. Whether it’s getting young people involved in ocean activities or celebrating our maritime heritage, this programme will help more people connect with the Sound in new ways.”
Covering over 8,600 hectares of ocean, estuaries and coastline, the National Marine Park is home to thousands of marine species and plays a vital role in Plymouth’s identity and future. Through community projects, learning opportunities and initiatives like Blue Sparks, the National Marine Park is working to ensure Plymouth’s marine environment is protected and celebrated for generations to come. For more information on each grant visit our website.