LOCAL BUSINESSES CHAMPION TORBAY’S HIDDEN MARINE TREASURE 

Wild Planet Trust launches Seagrass Champions scheme with first local business already on board 

Wild Planet Trust, the charity behind Paignton and Newquay Zoos, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Seagrass Champions scheme, with Freedom Boat Club Torquay becoming the first local business to join forces with this important marine conservation initiative. 

The Seagrass Champions programme aims to raise awareness of seagrass meadows – vital marine habitats found just off some of the most popular beaches in Torbay. Despite their ecological importance, many residents and visitors are unaware these underwater meadows exist, or of their critical role in marine conservation. 

Freedom Boats, a locally run boating company, has stepped forward as the inaugural Seagrass Champion, demonstrating their commitment to protecting Torbay’s precious marine environment. 

Oliver Patterson, Club Manager for Freedom Boat Club Torquay, commented: 

“Freedom Boat Club Torquay is proud to support this important initiative. As a local business we are deeply passionate about protecting Torbay’s natural habitats and marine life whilst members enjoy having fun and making memories out on the water. We have adopted several sustainable business practices including teaching members about Voluntary No Anchor Zones, making use of the eco – moorings wherever possible and we have also planned in regular on the water litter picks to prevent damage to seagrass meadows and marine life.” 

Dr Andrew Bowkett, Conservation Projects and Partnerships Manager for Wild Planet Trust, commented: 

“A surprising number of people have no idea that Torbay is home to meadows of seagrass. This special habitat is under threat around the UK, but can be found just off some of the most popular beaches in the Bay. We’re delighted to welcome Freedom Boat Club Torquay as our first Seagrass Champion and look forward to partnering with more local businesses in the coming weeks.” 

Wild Planet Trust is keen to encourage local businesses with links to the sea to join the scheme. Participating businesses will display the Seagrass Champions logo, share educational materials with customers, and adopt sustainable practices that create a positive impact on the marine environment. Champions will also promote respect for wildlife and habitats in line with the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Seaside Code. 

Wild Planet Trust conservationists will provide staff at each Champion business with training about seagrass habitats, ensuring they can confidently answer questions and share information about this vital ecosystem with their customers. 

Oliver continued: 

“This is the start of our journey with Wild Planet Trust and we are looking forward to working together alongside other local businesses to grow awareness of our seagrass meadows and their importance in protecting marine life, natural habitats as well as being a vital natural solution to climate change for carbon storage.” 

Seagrass is one of the world’s most efficient carbon sinks, storing more carbon per area than tropical rainforests. These underwater meadows also provide vital nursery grounds for commercial fish species, help prevent coastal erosion, and support marine biodiversity. 

Wild Planet Trust’s Save Our Seagrass project is supported by Regatta Great Outdoors and Devon Environment Foundation.

To find out how your business could support this project, please contact: seagrass@wildplanettrust.org.uk

About Freedom Boat Club Torquay 

Freedom Boat Club Torquay offers a premium subscription-based boating model, giving members all the benefits of boating without the hassle. The club provides an alternative to boat ownership where insurance, cleaning, maintenance, and unlimited training from certified instructors are all included. As Torbay’s first Seagrass Champion, Freedom Boat Club is committed to sustainable boating practices that protect the bay’s precious marine ecosystems. 

About Wild Planet Trust 

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 2019, building on a legacy that dates back to 1957 with the formation of the Herbert Whitley Trust (later the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust). The Trust’s origins can be traced to 1923 when Herbert Whitley founded Torbay Zoological Gardens in Devon as a place of learning. 

Although based in Devon, the Trust’s work has a truly global impact through field projects and by inspiring visitors to its zoos and nature reserves. Wild Planet Trust encompasses Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo, and three nature reserves: Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, Primley Park, and Clennon Gorge. 

Slapton Ley, located on the South Devon coast, is a large freshwater lake separated from the sea by a narrow shingle bar, fringed by reedbeds and willow. Clennon Gorge covers approximately 60 acres of woodland and limestone grassland, providing habitat for diverse plants and animals, including one of the UK’s most threatened habitats. Primley Park, once the extended garden of Herbert Whitley’s home, is open for public enjoyment. 

The Trust leads vital conservation and research projects in the UK and internationally, focusing on animal behaviour, nutrition, enrichment, and ecology. Both Paignton and Newquay Zoos are members of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). Paignton Zoo is also an accredited member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), participating in European breeding programmes. 

Wild Planet Trust operates on the principle that every species is important, everything is connected, and every action matters in pursuit of its mission to help halt species decline.