Only about 1% of the microplastics entering our oceans can be tracked. Hear about the research from Southampton Uni.

Green Drinks and talks!

Green Drinks happens on the 1st Wednesday of the month. This is to bring together like minded people who are interested in the environment and to share ideas.

We are now including a talk from local experts to encourage more people from the local area to find out what is happening along our coastline and how to volunteer to take action.

Green Drinks starts at 1830 and you're welcome to come before this to chat and then we'll have a speaker from 1915-2000 with some time for questions afterwards.

If you have any ideas for a topics or any contact then please get in touch!

Wednesday 6th January - Come and find out how to volunteer for Final Straw and meet current volunteers

Wednesday 3rd February - Bird Aware Solent

Bird Aware Solent helps people become more aware of the ducks (https://birdaware.org/solent/meet-the-birds/ducks/), geese (https://birdaware.org/solent/meet-the-birds/geese/), waders (https://birdaware.org/solent/meet-the-birds/wading-birds/), and other migratory birds (http://birdaware.org/solent/meet-the-birds/) that rely on our coastline, encouraging simple behaviour changes that help protect them. These birds travel incredible distances to reach the Solent – feeding and resting here in winter, and breeding here in summer.

Every year, up to 125,000 birds arrive from as far north as the Arctic and as far south as Africa. They come to take advantage of the rich food found in our coastal mudflats (http://birdaware.org/solent/the-solent/coastal-habitats/mudflats/)and along our shores, making the Solent coastline a place of international importance for wildlife.

To survive their long journeys and raise their young, these birds need space to feed, rest and breed without disturbance. Small changes in how people enjoy the coast – like looking out for birds, moving away if they become alert, keeping dogs alongside them and following requests on signs (http://birdaware.org/solent/the-coastal-code/) – can make a big difference to their wellbeing.

Wed 4th March - Micro plastics in our oceans.

Dr Jake Kleboe, Environmental Biophotonics Researcher, University of Southampton

Only about 1% of the microplastics entering our oceans can be tracked, leaving the rest hidden in water, sediments and marine life. Jake's research uses label-free light-based techniques to detect and identify microplastics inside corals, helping us understand and monitor their impact on reef health.

We are grateful for any donations to help us continue our work - please visit our JustGiving Page if you would like to donate to our charities:

Final Straw Foundation: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/finalstrawfdn

Description supplied by the event organiser.