Cornwall Wildlife Trust is celebrating Cornwall’s extraordinary marine life with two weeks of fun and inspiring marine events as part of National Marine Week, which runs from July 29 to August 13.

Matt Slater, marine officer for the Trust, said: “Many people don’t appreciate how amazing Cornwall’s marine life is. Our waters are highly productive and support far more animals than are found in more tropical seas. From colour changing cuttlefish to humpback whales, our marine life is truly inspiring and Marine Week events in Cornwall will make people aware not only of how lucky we are but of how we can all work to protect this natural resource."

The Trust’s programme includes something for everyone, with a range of activities including snorkelling, rockpooling, cliff-top sea watches, beach cleans and sustainable seafood events. It is also running daily sea-watches around the coast led by experienced volunteers.

Matt added: “Cornwall’s seas are fantastic, but they are also under increasing pressure. Our events not only inspire but also highlight ways in which people can help protect the marine environment. In Cornwall, we are lucky to have a growing network of marine conservation volunteers running local marine groups all around our coast and there are many ways in which the public can get involved and help protect their local patch of coastline.”

Marine week events in Cornwall included: Monday, July 31, marine expedition aboard the Hardiesse Sail Training Ship in the Carrick Roads off Falmouth, collecting plankton, using a drop-down camera and mackerel fishing. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. No under eights. Contact Matt on 01872 302251, email matt.slater@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.

August 2, Snorkel Safari at Porthscatho from 10am til noon. A guided snorkel for confident UK sea swimmers off the Roseland Peninsula. Bring your own mask, snorkel and a well-fitting wetsuit. Again booking is essential.

August 10, Horrible Beasts up the Creek, Falmouth Harbour from 1-3pm. An extreme rockpool ramble finding all things slimy and squidgy in Falmouth Harbour. Booking is essential.

Running alongside the marine events are Seaquest Seawatch events where from 11-1pm you can join trained volunteers on the clifftops to look for marine wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises and whales. Dates and locations for this include: August 5, NT Lizard Watch Point and August 6, Pendennis Point, Falmouth. For more information on any of these contact Katie Bellman at seaquest@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.

For the full programme of events go to cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.