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Visitors to Ryde seafront this weekend are invited to become microplastics detectives, as the ������� teams up with Wightlink to deliver an engaging, educational, and family-friendly event exploring the impact of plastic pollution on our seas.

Taking place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, the event is part of the and aims to increase awareness of one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time: microplastics. These tiny plastic fragments, often invisible to the naked eye, are now found in every corner of our natural world - including in the air we breathe and the food we eat.

Visitors can also take part in a seagrass survey to explore one of the UK’s largest and most vital underwater habitats. Marine scientists will guide visitors through the hidden world of seagrass meadows. These powerful natural ecosystems help protect our coastlines and are full of rich wildlife

Experts from the University’s Revolution Plastics Institute and Institute of Marine Sciences will lead hands-on activities designed to raise awareness and inspire action among ferry passengers, families and holidaymakers.

“The amount of plastic produced globally is expected to quadruple by 2050,” said Georgios Georgiou, from the Revolution Plastics Institute at the �������. “That means more microplastics in the environment, affecting marine ecosystems, wildlife, and potentially human health. We want to empower the next generation, especially children, to understand the issue and take action.”

5^th and 6^th July 2025: Ryde Seafront (adjacent to Western Gardens)

Event details:

Microplastics Detectives (10am–2pm)
Become a citizen scientist for the day. Learn how microplastics make their way into our oceans and what damage they do. Try your hand at sieving beach sand to uncover plastic particles, observe how they float, and discover how everyday items contribute to the crisis. The sessions also offer practical alternatives and solutions we can all adopt.

Seagrass Survey (10am–2pm)
Grab your wellies and head to the beach to join our seagrass survey. You’ll explore one of the UK’s largest seagrass meadows and discover how this underwater habitat helps protect our coastlines, stores carbon, and provides a home for all sorts of wildlife - from fish and tiny crabs, to seahorses and endangered species. 

Community Beach Clean (2pm–3pm)
Help turn the tide on pollution with a large-scale beach clean. Everyone is welcome to get involved. Equipment is provided - just bring your enthusiasm (and a refillable water bottle). You'll also help contribute valuable data for scientific research.

This event is part of the wider, a celebration of the Island’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With three quarters of the Island’s landmass and all of its coastline protected for their unique habitats, events like this play a vital role in conservation and public engagement.

The University is home to the Revolution Plastics Institute, where a world-leading team of experts urgently confront the global plastics crisis through inclusive, solutions-focused research and innovation.

is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator, carrying 4.3 million passengers to and from the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries complete over 34,000 sailings a year across our three routes.