National Marine Week 2024: Event Guide and Fundraising Ideas
National Marine Week is a fantastic event in the calendar for all those passionate about wildlife.
The Wildlife Trusts’ annual celebration of all things marine has events across the UK you can take part in.
It runs from 22nd of July to the 6th of August and there’s lots of exciting ways you can get involved.
Here we break down exactly what is involved and fundraising ideas you can do to go alongside it.
What is National Marine Week?
National Marine Week is an annual event put on by the Wildlife Trust. As well as Wildlife Trust events, there are also more locally-ran ways you can participate.
This year’s theme is ‘Sea the Connection’ and the Wildlife Trust will be highlighting how as an island nation we are all closely connected to the sea.
Wildlife Trusts around the UK will be holding sea-themed events, from snorkelling through the waters of Wembury Bay in Devon, to exploring the rockpools of Yorkshire’s Boggle Hole on a seashore safari, or even picnicking with a porpoise on the clifftops of North Wales.
The week-long-event is important as it raises awareness of our environment, the work to be done and how we can truly appreciate it.
About The Wildlife Trusts
The Wildlife Trusts, the trading name of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, is an organisation made up of 46 local Wildlife Trusts in the UK.
The Wildlife Trusts, between them, look after more than 2,300 nature reserves, covering around 98,500 hectares.
It is a grassroots, independent charity with more than 900,000 members and 39,000 volunteers working together with their Wildlife Trust to make their local area wilder.
Donations go a long way in supporting the charity and the vital work it does. It is registered charity on GoFundMe’s directory, meaning it’s easier than ever for you to fundraise and give back to the charity.
How to get involved with National Marine Week 2024
There’s lots of ways you can get involved in this year’s event.
From whale watching to workshops, there’s events all over the UK – including some which are perfect for the whole family to join in on.
Here we break down some of the best ways you can fundraise and get involved. As well as this, there’s plenty of ways you can fundraise for the environment on GoFundMe.
Do a litter pick or beach clean
A litter pick and beach clean is a great way to get involved, as well as seeing some of the UK’s beautiful coastline.
Every year, an estimated 8 million tonnes of litter enters the world’s oceans, so it’s crucial that as much as this can be removed from our shorelines.
You need very little to get involved, really. Just an energy to get stuck in, a bin liner, suitable footwear and if you can, a litter picker.
Fundraise for The Wildlife Trusts
You can fundraise directly for The Wildlife Trusts as well.
It’s very easy to set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe and National Marine Week is the perfect opportunity to do so, as awareness is already raised.
All you need to do is explain why you would like to fundraise and encourage your friends and close ones to donate.
You can really make a difference with your fundraising, as every penny helps.
Use less plastic
Using less plastic is also an easy way you can support The WildlifeTrust from home.
You can get involved with National Marine Week by using less plastic in your day-to-day life. This could even start from swapping from a plastic, disposable water bottle to one you can use every day.
July is also plastic free month (Plastic Free July), offering you a good chance to fundraise while you do it.
Join others fundraising to protect marine wildlife
If you don’t know where to start in fundraising, you can take a look at these successful fundraisers for inspiration.
Welsh Three Peaks Challenge
Ava Randall was able to raise thousands of pounds when she attempted the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge.
She launched her fundraiser to help raise funds for a three-week, marine conservation expedition to Thailand in the summer of 2024.
She said: “Whilst in Thailand I will be visiting the coral reefs of Koh Toa which are so important to our planet. Not only being incredibly diverse with species which rely on the reefs for their survival, coral reefs also offer storm protection to the people who live near, incomes for locals and food and medicine for everyone. I will be assisting in research and carrying out coral reef restoration projects. The work taking place on the reef is vital and I hope to be a part of it.”
Tread the Globe – Sea Turtle Rescue Fund
Marianne and Chris from the YouTube channel Tread the Globe were able to raise a massive £40,000.
The pair were trying to drive around the world when they noticed the state beaches were in when they were covered in litter.
Cleaning them up, and fundraising, they were able to make a huge difference.
Solo SUP Around Mallorca 600km
Harrison Wright was able to raise thousands of pounds by paddleboarding around the island of Mallorca.
The distance is approximately 600km and Harrison said the idea came to him while looking at a map.
He raised money for the Save the Med foundation.
Start your fundraiser for National Marine Week
Whether you’re planning on cleaning up your local beach, taking on a large walk or simply fundraising from home – it couldn’t be easier to get started.
Start a fundraiser today and make a change.