About Blue Sparks
What is the Blue Sparks programme?
Blue Sparks is our new community grants programme, created to support local projects that help more people connect with, enjoy and look after Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Over the next three years it will back grassroots ideas that open up access to the water, deepen understanding of our blue spaces and celebrate Plymouth’s rich maritime heritage. Small but powerful grants are helping neighbourhood groups, social enterprises and community organisations turn good ideas into real change along our shores.
Applications for Year 2 of Blue Sparks
Funding is Now Open!
Following a successful first year, the programme returns after supporting ten community projects across Devon and Cornwall, each finding exciting new ways to engage people with Plymouth Sound. From connecting communities with nature and local heritage to improving blue spaces and encouraging more people to explore the marine environment, the projects have already made a positive impact across the region.
Meet the Year 1 Blue Sparks Awardees
2025 marked the first year of our Blue Sparks programme. With thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we awarded grants to ten local organisations who each brought their own energy and creativity to the water. Together, their projects ranged from hands on environmental action and innovative seaweed trials, to celebrating hidden creeks and telling new stories about life by the sea. Every grantee offered a different way for people to feel closer to Plymouth Sound and to play a part in its future. Interested in joining a Blue Spark activity?
Barne Barton and St Budeaux Community Forum
Reconnecting residents with Kinterbury Creek and nearby blue spaces through creative community activities and seasonal events.
Big Sis CIC
Supporting girls and young women to build confidence and wellbeing through positive experiences linked to the coast and ocean.
BluGreens CIC
Delivering the Kelp Regen project, trialling seaweed cultivation on dormant harbour infrastructure to improve water quality and support a low impact blue green economy, alongside community outreach on sustainable ocean practices.
East End Development Trust
Opening up access to nearby waterfronts and blue spaces for local residents through place based community projects.
Ethical Activities CIC
Creating practical, nature based projects that give people the chance to enjoy, understand and care for local marine and coastal habitats.
Federation of Old Cornwall Societies
Celebrating Plymouth and Cornwall’s maritime heritage and traditions, and connecting them to the modern story of the National Marine Park.
Fotonow CIC
Running creative photography and media activities that shine a light on life around the Sound and amplify community voices linked to the water.
Open Kamera CIC
Using film and storytelling to help local people explore and share their relationship with Plymouth Sound and its coastal communities.
Precious Plastic Plymouth and
Tavistock CIC
Leading a Creative Beach Clean and Recycling Challenge that turns shoreline plastic into new products using pedal powered recycling kit.
Turnchapel History Group
Uncovering and sharing the coastal history of Turnchapel and its links to Plymouth Sound through local research and events.