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What does it mean to Stay Salty?
Being salty is not about being perfect or knowing everything about the sea. It is about noticing it, feeling part of it, and caring enough to look after it.
Salty is Plymouth. The crabs and the concrete. The quiet moments watching the tide and the loud ones when the wind changes direction. It is laughing when it rains sideways, taking pride in this place, and not letting crisp packets blow into the Sound. Salty belongs here.
Stay Salty is a reminder that Plymouth Sound already belongs to all of us. People and nature together. The scale above is a way of exploring that connection and seeing how it shows up in everyday life. From first awareness, to spending time by the water, to making more thoughtful choices, to getting properly stuck in.
There is no single right way to be salty. Some people find it through swimming, paddling or learning new skills on the water. Others through walking, watching, writing, meeting friends, or enjoying a moment of calm by the sea. Some care through action, volunteering or speaking up. Others through the small decisions they make every day.
However it shows up, being salty is about belonging, pride and looking after what is ours. The Salty Scale brings these stories together and helps turn connection into action, so Plymouth Sound can be enjoyed, cared for and passed on.
Stay Salty.
Unsalted
Everyone starts somewhere. Being unsalted does not mean disconnected. It simply means the relationship is just beginning.
This is about noticing Plymouth Sound as part of everyday life. Seeing it on your way through the city. Walking along the waterfront. Sitting with a coffee or dinner looking out over the water. Watching the tide roll in and out, spotting birds or boats, feeling the weather change.
For some, getting salty is also about first learning. Finding out what the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is and why it exists. Becoming curious. Paying attention. Even trying a moment of reflection or writing by the sea once, without needing to turn it into a habit.
These small moments matter. They build familiarity and a sense of belonging. And that is where being salty begins.
Lightly Salted
Lightly salted is where curiosity starts turning into action.
This is about trying things out and making a few more conscious choices. Swapping out single use plastics. Thinking about what goes down the drain. Washing clothes at lower temperatures. Small decisions that feel doable and start to link everyday life back to the Sound.
It is also where confidence begins to grow. Joining a first Swim Safe session at Tinside. Standing at the water’s edge and feeling more comfortable being close to it. Starting a salty journal or taking time to reflect by the sea now and then. Learning more about the wildlife, places and stories that sit just beneath the surface of Plymouth Sound.
You do not need to change everything at once. Saltier by the day is about momentum and finding your own rhythm.
Ready Salted
Ready salted is when being near the Sound starts to feel natural.
This might mean building your swimming skills through Swim Safe. Spending more regular time in or near the water. Trying paddle sports, sailing or kayaking at Mount Batten and learning how to enjoy the Sound safely and confidently on your own terms.
It is also about showing up with others. Joining beach cleans, citizen science projects or community events. Keeping a salty journal as a regular habit. Sharing what you learn. Bringing friends, family or neighbours along and helping them feel welcome.
Salty by nature is not about effort. It is about confidence, enjoyment and a growing sense that this is your place.
Extra Salty
Extra salty is where connection runs deep.
This is about giving something back to Plymouth Sound. Volunteering with the National Marine Park. Supporting projects and events. Helping collect data that protects marine life. Training further, becoming a lifeguard, or using your skills and experience to help others feel confident and safe around the sea.
Salt in my veins also means speaking up. Encouraging change. Helping shape how the Sound is cared for and enjoyed now and in the future.
There is no single way to be extra salty. What matters is sticking with it and helping others feel that this place belongs to them too.
Be part of the story
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