A day on offer at the Aquarium for local schools - but dive in fast!
BBC Springwatch presenter Maya Plass is the latest recruit to the Ecover Blue Mile team. Maya, who lives in the South Hams, has joined the Plymouth-based organisation as ambassador for the three-day Ecover Schools Blue Mile event taking place at the National Marine Aquarium on 17-19 June.
Maya, 35, was snapped up by BBC Springwatch when they spotted the marine work she was doing with children and schools at her Learn to Sea business at Bantham.
She has been busy filming in Dorset with the Springwatch team and viewers will be able to see her on the programme in June.
Conrad Humphreys at Ecover Blue Mile says Maya, who studied marine biology and coastal ecology at Plymouth University, is a great addition to the team.
“It’s brilliant to have Maya on board,” said Conrad. “Her work in engaging children in their coastal environment makes her perfect for the role and we’re delighted to have her expertise for the Ecover Schools Blue Mile.”
Maya added: “I’m all about getting more people out onto our seashores and into the sea, especially children, and this project does just that. I’m looking forward to working with the children and their teachers. They’ll have a lot of fun and they’ll also be learning about our coastal waters at the same time.”
Schools from the South West are being given the chance to spend a day with marine experts at the aquarium on 17-19 June – but it’s on a first come, first served basis and only the first 12 will be lucky.
Maya is devising factsheets and ideas for outdoor activities for schools that sign up and will be hosting a seashore safari at Coxside beach beside the aquarium on the opening day of the Ecover Schools Mile.
As well as the seashore safari, children will also be able to go onto the water with sit-on-top kayaks, when they will collect plankton in a net to examine later in the day.
Then, after lunch, scientists from Plymouth University will be on hand in their Plastics Lab, where the youngsters will learn about the impact of sea plastics. Students will test water samples and investigate for plastics and plankton through a microscope. They will also meet marine biologist and Antarctic explorer, Henry Evans, who will show the students his exploration gear and samples of sea water taken during his expedition.
This event is FREE. Schools can sign up for the Ecover Schools Blue Mile events by visiting the website.
