Seagrass seed collection at Udale Bay with Wilder Firths

Over the next 2 years, the Mossy Earth Wilder Firths team are working to plant 4.2 hectares of seagrass meadows in the Inverness, Beauly and Cromarty Firths.

What will we be doing?

Over the next few months we're aiming to collect around 300,000 seeds of common seagrass (Zostera marina). These will be processed and stored over the winter before being planted out next spring - by a robot! We're working with a company called Robocean to trial automated seed planting. Some seeds may be planted by hand too.

Where we'll meet

We'll park at Ivy Cottage car park (aka the swimmers' layby) near Jemimaville. Please car share where possible as parking is limited.

What3words: ///stewing.resembles.curbed

Google Maps link: maps.app.goo.gl/JdqoJaQLebjYi1X47

The Wilder Firths team will be coming from the Life Sciences Innovation Centre is on the UHI campus in Inverness. If you would like to meet us there and get a lift, or be picked up en route, please let us know by emailing wilderfirths@mossy.earth.

Good to know:

• This event is for over 18s only. You'll need to be able to walk over short patches of rough, rocky and muddy ground, and be steady on your feet.
• We'll provide all equipment.
• Waders or wellies are needed for this activity as we spend a lot of time in the mud! If you don't have your own, please let us know what size you need when booking and we'll provide some.
• If you do book and then can't make it, please cancel your place so someone else can join.
• Dress warm and take some spare layers. Don't wear your best clothes - be prepared to get a bit muddy.
• Things may change at short notice - we don't go out in severe winds, rain or snow! We will always contact you if things change.
• Any questions, just ask: wilderfirths@mossy.earth

What is seagrass and why does it matter?

Seagrass is a flowering plant which grows in the sea, and the intertidal zone (between the high and low tide marks). We have two species in the UK - common seagrass (Zostera marina) and dwarf seagrass (Zostera noltei).

Seagrass meadows are important because they support many creatures, including shellfish, spawning fish like plaice, and even seahorses. They help to protect coastlines from flooding and erosion by stabilising the seabed and absorbing wave energy. They also store carbon, so can help fight climate change! Sadly, around 92% of seagrass meadows in the UK have been lost in the last century, mostly since the 1980s, so helping these meadows is vital for the resilience of our coastlines and fisheries for the future.

You can find out more about Wilder Firths' seagrass project and what we've achieved so far on our YouTube channel and our website.

Thanks to our funder, the Scottish Marine Environment Enhancement Fund, for making this project possible.