Educational Inspiration as a new wave of attention hits Cornwall

by Jason Birt, Programme Manager – FdSc Wildlife Education and Media

Waves are present throughout our natural world and the same can be said for media attention. Just in the way we visually perceive the world via the electromagnetic spectrum through light waves and hear the world around us through sound waves, we are currently experiencing a wave of media interest in our marine environment.

The sheer magnificence of its scale and the species contained within were the focus of the latest series of Blue Planet II, with clear messaging about the human influence on this environment, particularly the scourge of plastic pollution.

As an educator, it was positive to see the impact this series has had on people.The government has been prompted into action and recently issued its 25 year environmental plan where plastics feature prominently. But how does this relate to Cornwall and what can we do with this new wave of peaked interest in our waters?

With such diverse habitats on offer, Cornwall has numerous operators in ecotourism and establishments offering environmental education and entertainment.There are boat operators offering the chance to get closer to charismatic marine creatures; there are facilities that care for injured marine animals; there are those that offer walking tours of the coasts and moors; there are companies springing up that educate about foraging and even survival training.

Add those that combine our environment with hobbies such as photography, painting and film-making, and you have an amazing playground for self-improvement.

Then you have the Cornwall Wildlife Trust offering days on the rocky shore, amongst many other activities, where you can learn about the many species nestling in the crooks and crannies of the shore. Or Sunday lunchtime guided observations of the sea, looking out for whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and sunfish.

With these many opportunities for engagement with marine life comes a need for those who can educate. It requires individuals who can take often complicated scientific concepts and relate them in a way that everyone can understand, without patronising them.

It’s not only imparting knowledge, but inspiring a desire to learn more.

We can even aim to bring about behaviour change, getting everyone to look at their own lifestyles and alter them so that they are more sustainable.

The course I teach at Cornwall College Newquay produces graduates that have these skills and if you have received environmental education in Cornwall you may have already been taught by an alumnus.

Our educators are the guardians of our area of natural beauty and I hope this current wave of environmental interest produces a wealth of new students who want to continue this legacy – the future of our coastal waters depends on it.

For more information on the range of Zoology, Surf and Marine courses available at Cornwall College Newquay visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/newquay or call 0330 123 2523.