Hastings Kelp Project for wildlife and climate change

❗Help Us Build a Marine Lab for the Hastings Kelp Project ❗

Restore the Ocean. Rewild Our Coastline. Inspire a Generation.

The Hastings Kelp Project urgently needs funding to set up a dedicated marine research laboratory, secure regulatory permissions, and invest in underwater monitoring technology to continue pioneering kelp forest restoration along the East Sussex coastline.

We’re raising funds to build the foundation for a scientifically robust, community-led movement that will bring biodiversity back to our waters—starting right here in Hastings.

Why Kelp? Why Now?

The English Channel is often overlooked—seen as grey, cold, empty. But it’s full of potential. UK waters are among the most nature-depleted in the world, with less than half of their original biodiversity remaining due to pollution, overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.

We’re not just restoring seaweed—we’re rebuilding an entire underwater ecosystem that supports wildlife, climate resilience, and education.

Where Your Donation Goes

Your support directly funds our ability to carry out vital work across three core areas:

1. Science & Monitoring

Marine lab equipment for environmental sampling and analysis

High-resolution underwater cameras and real-time video feeds

Diving and survey equipment for ecological research

2. Regulatory & Infrastructure

Setup and compliance for a fully operational marine lab

Licensing and permits to conduct conservation and research work

Development of scalable protocols to replicate this project nationwide

3. Education & Collaboration

Hands-on student research in partnership with Brighton University

Workshops and underwater expeditions for local schools

Community science and public engagement initiatives

A Blueprint for the Future

This isn’t just about Hastings. It’s about creating a replicable model—a real, working example of how kelp forest restoration can revive marine biodiversity, fight climate change, and reconnect people to the ocean.

We believe in leading by doing. Your donation helps us prove what’s possible, right here in our own backyard.

Who We Are

We’re a small but dedicated team of marine scientists, divers, educators, and volunteers based in Hastings, operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC No. 15808105) out of Hastings Aquarium. United by a deep love for the sea, we’re working hard to bring kelp—and marine life—back to our coast.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Through our partnerships with schools and universities, we’re making science accessible and meaningful. We aim to inspire the conservationists of tomorrow by showing young people the magic of the marine world that exists just beneath the surface.

Join the Movement

If you care about climate change, marine wildlife, or a better future for our planet—this is your chance to make a real impact.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to a thriving ocean and a hopeful future.

Thank you for believing in the power of community, science, and seaweed.

Donate now.

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Be part of the change.