An event next month will allow the public to explore the unique marine life of Ramsey through science and art.
Ramsey Town Hall will be transformed into an underwater world showcasing Ramsey bay – currently the Island’s only marine nature reserve and one of the most special places in UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.
The free event, on Saturday 7th October, from 10am to 4pm, offers something for all the family.
It’s being run by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), the Manx Wildlife Trust, Ramsey Library and volunteers for the Manx Fun Palace.
Fun Palaces are an international movement to bring science and arts to communities through fun, accessible activities and more than 300 similar events will be happening on the same weekend around the world.
The Manx Fun Palace will use art, marine biology, poetry and drama to bring the wonders of Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve to the community.
Activities include storytelling by Ramsey Library, making marine creatures from craft materials, building an art installation and decorating cup cakes with a marine theme.
Marine biologists from DEFA, Bangor University and the Manx Wildlife Trust will screen an underwater tour of Ramsey bay and speak about how it’s managed. There will also be an opportunity to learn about the habitats that make Ramsey bay such an important place and discuss how they can be protected.
Poet Usha Kishore, whose work is published internationally, will run a workshop on writing poetry inspired by the sea.
In another workshop, professional acting coach Louise Beckett, of SpeakOut Coaching, will explore the sea through performance and voice.
Artwork by schoolchildren inspired by the marine nature reserve will be on display and refreshments will be provided.
Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve was established six years ago by DEFA after a proposal from the Manx Fish Producers’ Organisation (MFPO) and an extensive public consultation.
Covering 94 square kilometres, it contains internationally significant areas of eelgrass meadows, horse mussel reefs, kelp forests and maerl beds, which boost biodiversity and create an environment for commercially important species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans.
It forms part of the core zone of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and includes highly protected conservation zones and a fisheries management zone co-managed by DEFA and the Manx Fish Producers’ Organisation in an innovative approach to fisheries management.
It is part of the OSPAR network of European Marine Protected Areas.
Dr Fiona Gell, Ecosystem Policy Manager at DEFA, said: ‘Our UNESCO Biosphere status is all about people enjoying and interacting with our special environment. The Manx Fun Palace is an excellent example of how government can work with the community on innovative ways to engage people of all ages in our wonderful biodiversity.’
For more information about the event, visit http://funpalaces.co.uk/discover/manx-fun-palace-exploring-ramsey-bay
Photo - Purple Henry in Kelp. Courtesy of Fiona Gell.
