Our Coast Our Sea

Our Coast Our Sea is an impressive example of the kind of collaboration that can bring an exciting learning experience to young and old.

The project has secured the support and participation of many of the different bodies that represent this beautiful, often idyllic part of the Northumberland and Berwickshire coastline including English Heritage, The National Trust and Natural England.

Inspiring learning

This particular part of the British coast stretching from St Abb.s Head to Druridge Bay incorporates an Area of outstanding Natural Beauty (AoNB) and a European Marine Site with dramatic scenery, sweeping sandy beaches and isolated islands. With more than its fair share of natural and historic heritage, the partners in the Our Coast Our Sea project were aware of the substantial learning opportunities they would collectively be able to offer. The pool of resources that could be promoted to schools, families and the general public could inspire and excite them to understand the rich history and nature of this coast, and to get involved with its conservation.

Collaborative working

The site is also a testament to the strength of partnership between e-learning specialists Cimex and cultural learning and digital strategy consultants Flow Associates, a relationship which has been key to the success of this site. With its beach-front noticeboard design, Our Coast Our Sea is full of inspiring learning resources aimed at all age groups, developed by Flow, to help everyone engage more deeply with the coastal environment. The structure of the site, built by Cimex, allows visitors to search by topic or location and quickly access information and related content. This is not just a tourist site but actively encourages user participation to .Get out and do something. at one of the 18 amazing locations.

Marine Bill

With the Marine Bill coming into law next year, Our Coast Our Sea is also a valuable template for a national offering on coastal education, both above and below the waterline. Covering the AoNB, the European Marine Site, a Voluntary Marine Reserve, and a myriad other conservation designations and properties managed by Natural England, English Heritage, National Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Northumberland County Council it.s full of every type of learning activity and resource.

The beauty of this site is that it will continue to develop as content is updated constantly by learning providers up and down the coast. The partners will all be able to easily contribute events, news and resources to the site as it matures and develops.

Users can also contribute to the growing site by adding their photos of this outstanding region to a specially created group on photo-sharing site Flickr, by promoting their own events, or by participating in discussions on the messageboard.

Cimex and Flow share an understanding in active enquiry-based learning that will undoubtedly see future collaborations.

Visit Our Coast Our Sea.

Tags: E learning