National Marine Aquarium to host Community Science Open Evening

On Tuesday 10th October 2017, the National Marine Aquarium will be holding a Community Science Open Evening, providing the chance to find out all about the opportunities to volunteer with nature conservation organisations in the local community.

Exhibitors from conservation organisations across terrestrial, marine and freshwater sectors will be on hand at the Aquarium to provide information on the volunteering opportunities available in their areas. Doors to visitors will be open from 7pm, with entry free of charge.

The benefits of volunteering have been widely documented, not only for the community, but also for the individual volunteering. As well as providing a chance to give back to a local good cause, volunteering has a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

Rachel Cole, Torbay Project Officer for the Community Seagrass Initiative at the National Marine Aquarium, commented: “Nature is key to our wellbeing and enjoyment of the outdoors. Giving back to nature is a great way to help conserve the places you love to visit the most and help the animals you like to see. Spending some of your spare time volunteering for a cause close to your heart is tremendously rewarding, whether you are a student looking to gain valuable experience for a CV, a busy parent that wants to get out and about with the kids at the weekend, or a retired person looking for a way to occupy your time.

“Trying to find the right cause for you can be tricky, with so many options available. The Community Science Open Evening that we are hosting at the National Marine Aquarium will bring all the local nature conservation groups in the local area under one roof, with a chance for would-be volunteers to find out more about each one.  This will hopefully help individuals to find the right opportunity for them. We look forward to welcoming the public for what promises to be an inspiring and insightful evening.”

The Community Science Open Evening is part of the ‘Community Science in the Natural World’ conference being held at the Aquarium from 9th – 11th October. The conference will see organisations from across the UK that work with volunteers in monitoring and conservation come together to share ideas and best practice. With representatives from governing environmental bodies attending, the organisers hope to promote ‘citizen science’ in environmental monitoring, to secure the future for our natural world.

For more information on exhibiting or to book a free visitor ticket, please visit:  https://nationalaquarium.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/9978?catID=8791