‘All That Could Be’ – Seagrass Restoration in Loch Craignish
‘All That Could Be’ – Seagrass Restoration in Loch Craignish

‘All That Could Be’ – Seagrass Restoration in Loch Craignish

Episode 54: ‘All That Could Be’ – Seagrass Restoration in Loch Craignish

Let me take you paddleboarding and snorkelling in Loch Craignish to learn about seagrass restoration and meet the creatures that live in this dazzling underwater world.

‘All That Could Be’ is an explorative adventure story set in the waters of Loch Craignish. We go snorkelling and paddleboarding to immerse ourselves in the dazzling underwater world of seagrass, meet its inhabitants and form a relationship with an eco-system that normally goes unseen.

We discuss the importance of seagrass meadows for our coast and climate and meet native oysters that have been reintroduced to the loch.

We also hear from Philip Price of Seawilding, a community-led conservation project based on Loch Craignish. Their work focuses on two species: seagrass and native oysters. We talk about why seagrass restoration is so important and impactful.

Follow Seawilding’s work on Instagram, join them as a volunteer or donate to support their work.

At the end of the episode, I share with you my top tips for a trip to Ardfern on the shores of Loch Craignish.

Resources

Listen to my in-depth conversation with Philip Price about community-led climate action on the 1,000 Better Stories Podcast.

Listen to ‘Creature of the Sea‘, my audio poems about snorkelling at the Argyll Hope Spot (Season 4 Episode 9)

Article: What are seagrass meadows?

A handbook for seagrass restoration

Article: What are Scottish native oysters?

Stay safe in the water with my snorkelling guide for Scotland.

Listen to an episode about Seawilding on the Rewild Podcast

Watch this short film about Seawilding

Join citizen science and become a Seagrass Spotter

Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.

5 Travel Tips for a Trip to Ardfern and Loch Craignish

1) Get involved with Seawilding 

Seagrass not necessarily at the top of people’s minds when it comes to marine conservation and not everybody has the opportunity to experience it first-hand.

But organisations like Seawilding highlight the importance of these coastal habitats and they create opportunities for people to engage with them. The Wild Seas Weekend was one of them, but Seawilding also runs regular volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved. You can follow them on Instagram and check out their website (both linked above) for upcoming events and opportunities.

If volunteering is not in the cards for you, you can also make a donation to support their ongoing efforts.

2) Book a guided snorkel tour

If you are visiting Ardfern and would like to see the seagrass meadow in Loch Craignish up close, consider booking a snorkel experience with an experienced guide. There are now more and more wild swimming guides in Argyll – one of my favourites is of course Dan the Merman who we met earlier this season. He will keep you safe in the water and help you understand the marine landscape through a Gaelic lens.

3) Stay at the Ardfern Motorhome Park

During my time at the Wild Seas Weekend, I was invited to stay at the Ardfern Motorhome Park, a small rustic site with 12 pitches, eco-friendly toilet facilities and stunning views of Loch Craignish. The park is located in a tranquil setting on the loch, but just a 15-minute walk from the village. I wish I could have stayed much longer.

4) Eat at Lucy’s in Ardfern

Lucy’s is a wonderful addition to the food scene in Argyll. The cafe offers delicious homemade food and baked goods for breakfast and lunch. Their vegan cinnamon rolls are my absolute favourite item on their menu.

5) Explore other places on the North Argyll Snorkel Trail

The seagrass meadow across the road from the Craignish Village Hall is one of many sites on the North Argyll Snorkel Trail which was developed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Argyll & The Isles Tourism Cooperative. Some other nearby sites for snorkelling are the jetty and the bay near Loch Melfort Hotel and the beaches Ganavan Sands and Wee Ganavan near Oban. 

My trip to the seagrass restoration project in Loch Craignish in pictures

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