Welcome to our Restoration Forth Newsletter.
Restoration Forth aims to restore seagrass meadows and European flat oysters into the Firth of Forth, to create a healthier coastline for people and nature. Whether you have been taking part in the project practical sessions, focus groups or just interested in how to get involved, thank you for your time and enthusiasm!
Find out more about the project here .
Seagrass News
Seagrass emergence walks
Back in March this year, we planted 64,000 seagrass seeds at two restoration locations with the help of 40 volunteers. Recently, we visited these sites for the first time since they were seeded, to see if there were shoots emerging.
The team were happy to see seedlings emerging at both restoration locations. Although the shoots have emerged, continued monitoring will show whether the shoots are able to survive. Previously, germinated shoots have been unable to survive in the Firth of Forth due to the low water quality and light limitation.
This year a slightly different approach to monitoring was taken to reduce the amount of disturbance to the plots. Instead of a full germination survey, the team conducted observation walks around the plots to see if the shoots had emerged. A full germination survey will be undertaken in the autumn, after the crucial growth period in the summer.
Case Study Goes Live
Based on our experiences with the Restoration Forth project, we have developed a case study to share our learning on data gathering, practical experiments and how to involve local communities with restoration work. You can check it out at Restoration Forth: Our Story | WWF.
Photo credit: Maverick Photo Agency
Upcoming Events
East Lothian:
Oyster monitoring at Tyninghame (please note we are offering a free mini bus pick and collection from North Berwick for this event): Oyster surveying at Tyninghame Tickets, Tue, Jul 15, 2025 at 10:45 AM | Eventbrite
Fife:
Collecting baseline survey data about a potential oyster restoration site at St David’s Beach, Dalgety Bay, including oyster observer guide and biodiversity survey. Restoration Forth Coastal Biodiversity Survey training session Tickets, Mon, Jul 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
Orkney:
Orkney snorkel sessions in July: Restoration Forth - Orkney events | Eventbrite