A new documentary showcases the Solent Seascape Project and its benefits for people living on the South Coast. The film shines a light on the restoration initiative, led by the Blue Marine Foundation in partnership with ten organisations, and its potential positive impact on the economy as well as the mental well-being of residents in the region. The documentary, 'Sea, Land & City', which became available for streaming on WaterBear on Tuesday, October 16, highlights the UK’s status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and explores the benefits of a thriving natural environment.
Following filmmaker Mairead Cahill, the documentary embarks on a journey through different environments to raise awareness and attract commercial investment in nature. (Image: Supplied) The Solent Seascape Project is just one of several ventures featured in the film, which also includes forest restoration, the reintroduction of beavers for flood management, eco-friendly moorings, and 'living pontoons' for the revival of urban waterways. The Solent Seascape Project aims to restore four key habitats: oyster reefs, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and seabird nesting sites.
Cahill concentrates on the economic advantages of these restored habitats, estimating that they could generate up to £2 billion a year across the region through carbon, nitrate, and phosphate removal. The documentary also highlights the potential for these benefits to be realised across the UK, alongside improvem.