Celebrate National Wildlife Day by Meeting Plymouth Sound’s Amazing Marine Life
- Blog
Every year on 4 September, people across the world celebrate National Wildlife Day, a chance to appreciate the incredible animals, plants and habitats that share our planet and to recognise the important role we all play in protecting them.
Here in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, National Wildlife Day is particularly special. From tiny rockpool critters and colourful sea slugs to wading birds, bats and marine mammals, our marine park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Taking time to connect with nature doesn’t just help us learn more about these amazing species, it also helps us understand why looking after our blue and green spaces matters.
One of the best ways to celebrate National Wildlife Day is by getting involved with the National Marine Park’s Salty Scale. Whether you’re new to exploring Plymouth Sound or a seasoned sea-lover, there are plenty of opportunities to get “salty” while discovering the wildlife that makes our National Marine Park so unique.
Get Salty: Meet a Creature
The Meet a Creature activity on the Salty Scale is all about getting up close to the wildlife that calls Plymouth Sound home. From rockpool adventures and snorkel safaris to wildlife surveys and guided walks, there’s something for everyone.
And if getting out on the coast isn’t enough, remember that helping wildlife isn’t just about spotting it. Taking part in a beach clean is another fantastic way to get salty, helping to keep habitats healthy and safe for the creatures that live there.
Looking for inspiration? Here are some fantastic organisations helping people connect with wildlife across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – Coastal Rangers
Want to make a real difference while discovering local wildlife?
Our Coastal Ranger Team hosts a range of activities throughout the year, including Shoresearch surveys, coastal cleans, winter wader walks (returning from October) and bat walks (starting in September).
Volunteers can also take part in the exciting Plymouth Living Sea Wall Survey, helping to monitor the wildlife that is making a home on Plymouth’s innovative marine habitats. This opportunity is exclusive to our volunteer community, making it a brilliant way to deepen your connection with the National Marine Park while contributing to valuable citizen science.
Ready to get involved? Visit our volunteer page and sign up to join upcoming activities and surveys.
Discover The Rock Pool Project at Firestone Bay
Few wildlife experiences are as memorable as peering into a rockpool and discovering a miniature underwater world.
The Rock Pool Project runs popular Rockpool Safaris at Firestone Bay, helping visitors uncover fascinating creatures that often go unnoticed beneath the surface. From crabs and anemones to starfish and shrimp, every safari is packed with discoveries.
Looking for a free wildlife challenge? Join one of their FREE monthly Big Bioblitz Challenge events, where you can help record local species and contribute to a better understanding of Plymouth’s biodiversity.
Explore with Wembury Marine Centre
The coastline around Wembury is one of the best places in the region to experience marine wildlife up close.
The Wembury Marine Centre offers a variety of guided activities, including Rockpool Safaris, Snorkel Safaris and Shoresearch Surveys, giving participants the chance to safely explore one of the UK’s richest coastal environments.
Whether you’re searching for hidden rockpool inhabitants or discovering marine life beneath the waves, these hands-on experiences are a fantastic way to celebrate National Wildlife Day.
Enjoy an Indoor Wildlife Adventure at the National Marine Aquarium
Looking for a wildlife experience that doesn’t depend on the weather?
The National Marine Aquarium, operated by our Anchor Site partner, the Ocean Conservation Trust, offers visitors the chance to discover marine species from Plymouth Sound and beyond through immersive exhibits and engaging experiences.
It’s a fantastic family-friendly option for anyone wanting to learn more about the ocean, the wildlife it supports and the conservation work helping to protect it for future generations.
Celebrate Wildlife and Get Salty This National Wildlife Day
This National Wildlife Day, why not take the opportunity to meet a creature, discover something new and deepen your connection with Plymouth Sound?
Whether you’re joining a guided safari, taking part in a wildlife survey, helping with a beach clean or volunteering with the National Marine Park, every small action helps support the incredible wildlife that makes Plymouth Sound such a special place.
Explore upcoming events, start your Salty Scale journey and celebrate National Wildlife Day with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park this 4 September.