Project dates: 2020
Funder: Scottish Government
Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 celebrates Scotland’s 10,000km of coastline, its 30,000-plus lochs and lochans and miles of rivers, highlighting the history and culture of shores and waterways, the potential for adventure, their value as a resource and aesthetic inspiration, and the significance of their biodiversity and natural heritage. FSC is supporting this fantastic initiative.
The marine environment, coastlines and inland waters are at the heart of FSC Scotland experiences and expertise. From plankton to porpoises, gobies to gannets, otters to algae, FSC staff and visitors have counted, photographed, measured and talked about all things Coasts and Waters.
Our residential centre, FSC Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, has a 115-year history as a marine research station, and is home to the renowned Robertson Aquarium and Museum. FSC staff are international experts, passionate about promoting local wildlife and looking after their habitats. .
With this history, knowledge and passion for inspiring people about the natural world, FSC aims closely link with those of the Year of Coasts and Water. To support anyone wishing to participate in or celebrate it we are offering accessible resources and informed staff to encourage them.
You can also:
Learn about Coasts and Waters with FSC Scotland
- Secondary Geography, Biology and Environmental Science including Rivers fieldwork and Coasts at National 4 and 5 and Higher.
- Marine Science Camp (16-24’s)
- Natural History Courses at Millport (Coastal Lichens, Identifying Marine Species and Habitats: The Biotope Approach, Marine Mammal and Bird Surveys, Marine Mammals and Scottish Island Birds: Summer Seabirds)
- Life Skills for Scientists (age 16-24)
- Conservation in the Cairngorms Nature, Landscape and Social Action (age 16-24)
- STEM by Nature Professional Learning programme
- Millport Marine Symposium
Citizen Science, Social Action and #iWill4Nature
FSC Scotland has a rich Citizen Science expertise and heritage with involvement in projects such as:
- OPAL Water Survey
- Great British Beach Clean
- Big Pond Dip
- Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Upstream Battle Campaign
- Robertson Aquarium and Museum collecting and tracking nurdles on the Isle of Cumbrae
- Annual Bioblitz hosted by FSC Millport
#iWill4Nature
FSC Scotland supports the youth social action #iWill campaign. Its pledge is part of #iWill4Nature and will help galvanise participation in Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.
Resources, Activities and Information
- Year of Coasts & Waters 2020 – ‘Get Involved’ – Overview of information, activities, publications, organisations and events
- UN Global Goal 14: Life Below Water – Resources exploring UN goals
- Sustainability and Responsible Engagement During Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2020 – Best practice guidance for organisations planning activities
- Our Oceans Learning Resource, Scottish Book Trust
- Mission:Explore Water – 51 water-related missions, covering Rain, Rivers and Flow, Harvesting and Using Water, Waste. Free download, along with a set of Teacher’s Notes.
- Podcasts by Marine biologists from FSC Millport – Covering the amazing marine environment of the Clyde and fieldwork opportunities at FSC Millport
- FSC Publications fold out charts – Including seabirds, seashells and seaweed
- AIDGAP Crabs Identification Guide and AIDGAP Marine Invertebrates Identification Guide
- UK-wide FSC Natural History courses – Aquatic Plants, Bird Identification, Freshwater Invertebrates, Habitats and Conservation, Marine and Freshwater Habitats, Reptiles and Amphibians