THE autumn term has brought inspiration for keen STEM students from Neyland Community School as they dived into the world of underwater meadows.

The partnership between the Dragon Darwin Experience and Project Seagrass aims to raise awareness of the crucial role seagrass plays in supporting marine biodiversity and tackling climate change, while inspiring young people to take an active role in marine conservation.

The session began in the classroom, where pupils learned about what seagrass is, its importance as a habitat for marine life, and its ability to sequester carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. They also explored the threats facing seagrass meadows, including poor water quality and destructive fishing practices—factors that have contributed to the loss of an estimated 92 per cent of the UK’s seagrass meadows over the past century.

After testing their new knowledge with a fun seagrass quiz, the group travelled to Angle Bay, one of Pembrokeshire’s important seagrass sites, to put their learning into practice.

Working in small teams, the pupils carried out a seagrass monitoring survey on Dwarf eelgrass with Emma, Elena, and Charles from Project Seagrass. They completed a 25-metre transect, recording data on percentage seagrass cover, algae, epiphytes, worm casts, and the presence of other marine animals such as crabs and snails.

Samantha Williams, Manager of the Darwin Centre, said:

“Collaborations like this bring science to life for young people. Working alongside Project Seagrass allows pupils to see first-hand how scientific knowledge and conservation go hand in hand. It’s one thing to learn about habitats in the classroom, but quite another to get your hands wet collecting real data that contributes to the understanding and protection of our local marine ecosystems. This is conservation in action, and it’s inspiring to see the next generation so engaged and enthusiastic about safeguarding the natural world.”

The activity provided a hands-on introduction to real-world marine science techniques, encouraging curiosity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Project Seagrass and the Dragon Darwin Experience plan to build on this partnership with further educational opportunities, ensuring that young people in Pembrokeshire continue to develop the skills, knowledge, and passion to protect local coastal ecosystems for the future.