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Island nature reserve's seagrass to be mapped

News imageNational Trust Dr Ken Collins and Sophie Giles standing on a boat off the coast of Brownsea Island. They are both looking at the screens on two pieces of equipment - one resembles an open briefcase with wires coming from it. The other looks like a chunky laptop. Dr Collins has grey hair and a beard and glasses and is wearing a grey jumper, black cargo trousers and brown boots. Ms Giles has long dark brown hair in a ponytail and is wearing a red fleece and black trousers.National Trust
Initial surveys were carried out by Dr Ken Collins, accompanied by Brownsea ranger Sophie Giles

The waters around an island nature reserve are to be surveyed for the first time to map seagrass habitats.

Initial surveys at Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset, revealed an abundance of seagrass, which is a haven for wildlife including some species of seahorse.

Oceanography experts from the University of Southampton are expected to carry out a detailed underwater survey in the first half of 2026.

National Trust ranger Sophie Giles, who instigated the project, said it was important for seagrass beds to be mapped so they could be better protected.

News imageThe Seahorse Trust Two seahorses clinging to seagrass on the sandy seabed. They are well camouflaged among the green of the seagrass bed, strips of brown seaweed and the sand.The Seahorse Trust
Seagrass habitats are fragile and have been in serious decline

The initial surveys were conducted by Dr Ken Collins of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, in August.

Ms Giles, who lives on the island, said: "At the moment, seagrass beds are vulnerable to dredging, trawling and recreational activities so it's really important we get them mapped.

"We've got two seahorses in Poole Harbour and Studland Bay - spiny seahorses and short-snouted seahorses - but seagrass is also home to lots of other life.

"It's a protective, sheltered habitat."

News imageSophie Giles The photographer is looking down at her green wellington boots as she stands on the edge of a seagrass bed at low tide. The grass is wet and flat with small patches of sand visible in between.Sophie Giles
Seagrass provides a habitat for wildlife, including some species of seahorse

Dr Collins has previously surveyed the seagrass beds in Studland Bay but said it was the first time the smaller Brownsea habitats had been studied.

He said, as well as mapping the beds, researchers would also look at sediments and the physical environments that favour the seagrass.

Ms Giles said, following the detailed survey, the seagrass would continue to be monitored.

She said the long-term goal is for local recreational divers to be trained to help keep an eye on the habitats, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility within the community to help protect and preserve it.

What is seagrass?

Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant, once widespread across the UK but seagrass beds have declined more than 40% since the 1930s, due to coastal development, pollution, disease and physical disturbance.

The beds, or meadows, form in shallow coastal areas with plenty of light and favour sheltered bays and lagoons protected from the waves.

Seagrass beds are an important part of the marine ecosystem, serving as a nursery and home for a wide variety of marine species.

Source: Gov.UK

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