Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is marking a year of firsts as it continues to reconnect people with the water and lay the foundations for the UK’s first National Marine Park, thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

Over the past year, thousands of people have engaged with Plymouth’s waterfront and the sea that shapes the city’s identity. Working with partners at Plymouth Active Leisure, more than 1,800 children and young people took part in Swim Safe sessions, building confidence in the water and learning vital safety skills while fostering a love of the ocean. 

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park brought Sea in our Schools to 970 students across Plymouth, inspiring a new generation to discover and enhance the marine environment on their doorstep with our partners at Ocean Conservation Trust.  The programme has received resounding praise, with 100% of teachers recommending it to other schools.   

Transformation work has begun at the Mount Batten Centre to create even more opportunities for people to get on the water, while Mount Edgcumbe has been hosting archaeology camps, giving people the chance to explore the park’s history first-hand. 

Community involvement has been central to the Park’s journey, with 142 local residents signing up as volunteers, contributing over 11,500 hours to beach cleans, events and activities supported by the Park’s Ranger team. For many, including Verity, volunteering has been a chance to build confidence, develop skills and gain new employment. 

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: 

“This has been a tidal wave of achievement for Plymouth. From baby rays making national headlines to thousands of young people diving into the water for the first time, the National Marine Park is turning the tide on how we connect with our coast. It’s not just about protecting our heritage – it’s about creating unforgettable experiences, sparking curiosity, and building a legacy that flows into every corner of our community. And we’re only just getting started.” 

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 

“The National Marine Park is a shining example of how investing in heritage can transform lives and places. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re seeing communities connect with the ocean while protecting this precious environment for the future.” 

Nature has also taken centre stage in the Park’s first year. The Little Rays of Hope project captured hearts locally and nationally, attracting BBC Countryfile to film in Devon. Broadcast on Easter Sunday to six million viewers (OTV), the project saw 39 baby rays released into Plymouth Sound, a small but significant step towards restoring the wildlife of the Sound.  

Since the episode aired, the Shark Trust has reported a 20% increase in egg cases found across the UK and Ireland, demonstrating how Plymouth Sound National Marine Park’s first-of-its-kind approach in a living, working city can inspire people to notice and care for the sea, wherever they live. 

Taking the Park directly into communities has been a priority. In its first year, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, delivered over 40 pop-up events across the city, reaching 8,700 people and sparking curiosity and pride in Plymouth’s marine heritage. 

Elaine Hayes, CEO of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, said: 

“Securing a prime-time BBC Countryfile feature has been a huge moment for raising awareness about our National Marine Park and the incredible work happening here in Plymouth. It supports our ambition to inspire the creation of other National Marine Parks across the UK, showing what’s possible when people reconnect with the sea. We’re excited to build on this momentum in year two.” 

Looking ahead, the transformation of Plymouth’s waterfront continues, with the redevelopment of the Mount Batten Centre due for completion in spring 2026, followed by restoration work at Mount Edgcumbe. This summer, visitors can look forward to a range of activities led by the Park’s Coastal Rangers across Tinside Lido, Mount Batten and Mount Edgcumbe, culminating in a bigger and better Seafest. 

The Park is also launching ‘Sea for Yourself’, a new digital arts programme delivered in partnership with Plymouth Culture, which will bring the National Marine Park to new audiences in creative and innovative ways. 

The achievements of the past year would not have been possible without the Park’s key delivery partners – Plymouth Active Leisure, Ocean Conservation Trust, Mount Batten Centre and Mount Edgcumbe – and the continued support of its funders, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government Youth Investment and Levelling Up Funds, Plymouth City Council and Arts Council England. 

Find out what you can do in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park this summer: 
https://plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com/your-summer-your-sound/