We couldn’t carry out our work without the support of the many organisations, academic institutions, community groups and individuals who have joined the fight to protect Studland’s fragile seagrass meadows.
Volunteers save us thousands of pounds by giving up their time, enthusiasm and expertise for free. Read on to find out how you can help.
Top photo: © the National Trust
Photo: The Seahorse Trust
Make a donation
Every pound you give goes directly into protecting and restoring the seagrass meadows at Studland Bay. The money we raise funds:
• Eco-moorings – essential for preventing anchor damage to the seagrass meadows.
• Research and monitoring – providing the data we rely on to uphold the project.
• Community outreach – talks, events and on-the-water engagement to inspire more seagrass ambassadors.
Make a donation
• Eco-moorings – essential for preventing anchor damage to the seagrass meadows.
• Research and monitoring – providing the data we rely on to uphold the project.
• Community outreach – talks, events and on-the-water engagement to inspire more seagrass ambassadors.
Why we need your donation
These are the costs we expect in 2026 for maintaining the eco-moorings and other aspects of the project, and the shortfall after income from mooring fees.
-
£102,000
Overall costs
annual cost of eco-mooring maintenance, engagement and monitoring
-
£25,000
Mooring fees
raised each year from mooring fees
-
£77,000
Shortfall
to be raised annually through donations, corporate supporters and grants
Photo: Dorset Coast Forum
Join as a volunteer
• Join the University of Southampton's team of volunteer divers who monitor the seahorses throughout the summer. Qualified divers only – and you need to undertake a training course beforehand.
• Help out at events or offer your particular skills to the project.
• Become an ambassador in your community, spreading the word about the seagrass meadows and how we are protecting them.
Contact us
• Help out at events or offer your particular skills to the project.
• Become an ambassador in your community, spreading the word about the seagrass meadows and how we are protecting them.
“The seagrass restoration project has galvanised the diving community. Our volunteers, from university students to retired divers, put in nearly 3,000 hours between 2008 and 2025 – that’s equivalent to four months continuously underwater! Without their support, we simply wouldn’t be able to undertake the scale of monitoring we need to carry out.”Dr Ken Collins, partnership steering group member and Emeritus Research Fellow & Diving Officer at University of Southampton
Photo: The National Trust
Become a corporate supporter
Does your business want to make a real impact on Studland Bay’s marine environment? Our progress so far has only been possible thanks to committed partners and corporate supporters.
Get in touch to explore how your organisation can join us in restoring this nationally-important ecosystem.
Contact us
Get in touch to explore how your organisation can join us in restoring this nationally-important ecosystem.
“At Knoll House, we are proud supporters of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership. The seahorses in Studland are world-renowned, and being on our doorstep, it is our duty to help protect them for years to come. Asking our guests to contribute just £1 towards the charity upon check-out is a small gesture in giving back to the wonderful wildlife in our area.”Alex Ionescu, Operations Manager at Knoll House Hotel