New Beach programme includes outreach options

The aim is to encourage schools to engage with the nature reserve and demonstrate the importance of Shoreham Beach to schools further inland.

The programme has been set up and run by Steve Savage, a local biologist, environmental educator and wildlife author.

He said: “I spent much of my childhood on Shoreham Beach and the surrounding area and so it’s a great opportunity to engage children with a place that has a special meaning to me.”

He explained one of the aims of setting up the nature reserve was to engage people with the rare vegetated shingle habitat there.

This year’s varied programme is based around Shoreham Beach and its part in Shoreham’s dynamic geography, wildlife and maritime history.

It caters for both primary and secondary schools and offers the chance to explore the shingle and the birds, insects and wildlife it supports, as well as tide pooling and coastal studies.

“We appreciate with the expense of travel that not all schools can visit the nature reserve, so we have developed an outreach programme where we can work with a school on their own local beach, or bring live sea creatures into the classroom,” added Steve.

Visit www.fosbeach.com for more information about the programme.

Teachers can also contact the education co-ordinator at [email protected]