Hastings Kelp Project

07/08/2026

We’re pleased to share our new report exploring 75 years of sea temperature observations off Hastings (1950–2025).

Using a remarkable long-term dataset collected by the Hastings Weather Volunteers, we’ve analysed how local sea temperatures have changed over the past three-quarters of a century through a series of graphs, tables and visualisations.

The report identifies clear long-term patterns within the record while also acknowledging the dataset’s important limitations. Observations were collected by volunteers over many decades using methods that varied through time, including different sampling locations, depths and equipment. As such, this should be regarded as a valuable long-term observational record rather than a precise scientific monitoring programme.

Our sincere thanks go to Bill Butler and all the Hastings Weather Volunteers for collecting, maintaining and sharing this extraordinary local dataset. Their commitment has created a unique historical record of Hastings’ coastal waters that will be valuable for future research and public understanding.

📄 Read the full report here: https://hastingskelpproject.co.uk/portfolio

04/08/2026

Are you a local business owner?

Do you want to make a real difference?

Do you want to help restore our oceans, protect our coastline, support wildlife, and leave a healthier planet for future generations?

This is your chance.

For just £100, your business can help the Hastings Kelp Project take another step towards restoring our local kelp forests—one of the most important marine habitats on Earth. Kelp forests provide homes for marine life, help protect our coastline from erosion, improve biodiversity, and create healthier seas for generations to come.

As a thank you, every supporting business will be featured on our Wall of Fame on our website, recognising the local organisations helping to make a lasting difference.

Not a business owner?

Share this post with someone who is.

https://hastingskelpproject.co.uk/HastingsHeroes

01/08/2026

The project has moved forward in exciting ways this month, from seeing thousands of juvenile kelp growing in our tanks to connecting with more people through aquarium talks and community events! 💙

Our next major step is to carry out ecological surveys of the Hastings coastline. These surveys are essential before restoration research can begin, but unfortunately they require significant funding! Securing support for these surveys will therefore be one of our biggest priorities in the coming months.

Please see the link in our bio for all the different ways to help fund this project!

We had a great time meeting lots of you at the Hastings Midsummer Fair. Thanks to all those who stopped by to chat about the future of our marine environment!

At 12 weeks old the kelp are looking beautiful!

Bring your family along to Hastings Aquarium Keeper’s of the Kelp workshops to learn more about our kelp.

Running until the 2nd September, Tuesday and Thursday mornings - book entry tickets on their website!

We are in need of a volunteer on the morning of the 20th August to help support the Keeper’s of the Kelp event - there will be free coffee!

Please email us at [email protected] for more information.

08/07/2026

We’ve got two exciting community events coming up!

📅 25th July – Come and visit us at the Midsummer @ White Rock Festival, where we’ll be running a community stall and chatting all things kelp restoration.

📅 20th July – 2nd September – Our Summer Programme at Hastings Aquarium, with interactive activities, talks and kelp lab visits throughout the summer holidays.

💚 We’d love your help!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support us at both events. No specialist knowledge is needed—just a friendly attitude and a willingness to chat with visitors.
If you’d like to get involved, please email [email protected] and let us know which event(s) you’re interested in and your availability.

Every bit of help makes a big difference! 🌊💙

03/07/2026

28/06/2026

Some amazing FREE Hastings Commons workshops going on today and Monday with the University of Cambridge!

🌊 Living Coastlines – Sunday 28th June, 11am–2pm
🌳 Parks Workshop – Monday 29th June, 10.30am–1.30pm

The sessions involve guided walks, storytelling and discussion about how local people experience the coast, parks and climate change to support important research.

✨ All ages welcome
♿ All routes are wheelchair accessible
🍪 Snacks and drinks provided
🎁 £10 voucher offered as a thank you for your contribution

📍 Meeting Point:
Hastings Commons, Eagle House, TN34 1DJ

Register via the QR code or click the link on our story

27/06/2026

LAB ANNOUNCEMENT!!

We have seen rapid growth over the last 36 hours of kelp spores taken from Bogner Regis in the aquarium lab.

This is one of the first signs that the cultivation conditions (light, temperature, nutrients and seawater) are supporting healthy development.

Our aim is to grow robust juvenile kelp that can eventually be attached to natural substrates (such as rocks or shells) for restoration trials off Hastings coast, East Sussex.

Growing kelp successfully in the lab is a critical milestone before any outplanting can take place. Each stage provides valuable data on growth rates and helps refine the methods we use.

Healthy early growth increases confidence that the project can produce enough juvenile kelp for future studies and work.

These are still very early stages, but this kind of rapid development is encouraging and exactly what the team has been hoping to see!!

23/06/2026

⚓️ KELP UPDATE ⚓️

We have successful settlement! The kelp spores are now at 6 weeks growth and we are beginning to see individual sporophytes developing on the rocks in our filtered seawater tanks!

A special thank you to for their support and assistance throughout this stage of the project!

If you would like to help support the Hastings Kelp Project please follow this link 🔗 https://www.hastingskelpproject.co.uk/HastingsHeroes 🔗 to donate!

Follow along for the journey 🌊

📸 .hettie

20/06/2026

Local residents enjoying the beach 🦭

If you fancy a trip to the coast this weekend, head to Fairlight beach and keep an eye out for the seals.

If you do spot them, give them plenty of space. Seals haul out to rest, and keeping your distance helps ensure they can do so undisturbed!

14/06/2026

If anyone local is looking for something to do this Saturday, 20th June…