Portishead Salt Marshes Day

We are very excited about Portishead Salt Marshes Day 2022 with lots going on including hands-on science and art.

Portishead Salt Marshes Day 2022

 Saturday 13 August 

10 am – 4 pm

by the path between the marina and

Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve

Why hold a Portishead Salt Marshes Day?

We have two salt marshes, one by Battery Point and the other at Portbury Wharf but few know about them. This is a shame as they are REALLY important places.

Did you know for example that salt marshes bury more carbon than forests? So they are helping both our local and global climate. Wildlife too depends on salt marshes for its survival. For example many of our shorebirds are in trouble and rely on these intertidal areas for food and protection.

At this year’s event we will see the return of our popular experts Scott Gudrich (marine biologist) and Mathilde Braddock (geologist).  Storyteller Michael Loader will be on hand to give us his interpretation of the world of salt marshes.

We are delighted that this year we will also be joined by Nicole Turnbull from WWT Steart Marshes.  Steart salt marsh is a groundbreaking man-made salt marsh in Bridgwater Bay. Created by the Environment Agency and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) the work at Steart peninsula helps offset the 50 year decline of salt marshes in the Severn Estuary.

What’s happening on the day?

 What’s wrong with walking on the salt marsh? Have your say. 

One of the day’s topics we will be  “Caring for our salt marshes“. Over the last few years so many of us have been walking on the salt marsh that it is causing a problem. We are eroding the marsh, killing plants and driving off endangered wildlife. As we cannot afford to lose more Severn Estuary salt marshes we need to protect this area.

But why wouldn’t you walk on the salt marsh? There is very little information on site to tell you why this is not a good idea. So many who walk here are unaware of the problems it causes. So join in the discussions about how we can enjoy these places without causing harm. Portishead Salt Marshes Day is an opportunity to add your thoughts and ideas. With your help we can safeguard our salt marshes and their endangered wildlife for future generations.

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Timetable

 Talks and discussions  –  10.30 am – 11.30 am and repeated at 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm- with our experts and storyteller. They will conduct a talk followed by discussion and brain storming.  So this is a great opportunity to understand our salt marshes through science and stories. Our salt marshes are a community asset so what you have to say is important too. So come along and join in.

 Story telling  – Storyteller Michael Loader joins us with a story written especially for Salt Marsh Day “A Wild Calling – A Family Story”. The story of a boy from the freedom of childhood to the ‘taming game’ of youth; from the four walls of daylight to the dark of night and a new world awaiting, ready to re-wild. You can hear this story during the talk sessions above.

 Poetry Workshop and Walk  –  12.30 pm – Discover the marsh’s hidden poetry. Scott will be hosting this poetry workshop and stroll.  So if you are looking to mindfully “rewild” yourself and discover the hidden poetry of the salt marsh, then don’t miss this.

 Steart Marshes (WWT) stand  –  if you want to know anything and everything about salt marshes, this is the place for you! Come and say hello to Nicole and find out more about this exciting project.

 Salt Marsh displays  – lots of information about salt marshes! You can have a sneak preview on our salt marsh hub.

Of course as well as the serious science and environmental aspects we will also be having fun with mud . . .

 Hands on science  – mud sampling. Ever wondered what wading birds look for in the mud? Then why not try your hand at mud sampling to find out?  The creatures in the mud are vital for the survival of the shore birds. So get your hands mucky and see if you can find any ragworms. Birds such as our endangered curlew just love to eat these. If our mud is teeming with organisms these will attract and feed our wading birds.

 Hands on art  – last year, with the help of Portishead children, we created the mud monster.  This year all ages will be able to join in the creation of a mud wall or make your very own mud (clay) tile.

 Art Exhibition  – this year Clifton Arts Club is organising the art exhibition. Some of their artists will also be working in several different locations. So you can see what they are doing and maybe even get some tips!

Click here to find out more about our Salt Marshes