Coastal Catch Ups – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode I speak with Joy and David who are both key members of Killyleagh Coastal Rowing Club. They kindly let me interrupt them during an evening of boat prep in the club shed (also David's shed!).

I was not familiar with the sport, but coming away from the chat I soon realised how important the sport is for coastal communities, bringing people of all ages closer together and also to the coastline - not forgetting the physical and mental health benefits.

As the episode is recorded alongside other members working on the boat, there is some background noise so I do apologise for that, but please don't let it take away from the valuable conversation.

Please let me know if this episode inspires you to grab your oars with a local club!

This episode explores the tidal energy industry. Tidal energy has great potential around our coastline as a reliable form of renewable energy, however, it is all about getting the technology right to reduce costs and make it cost-effective, as well as having no environmental impact.

On a new format of Coastal Catch Ups, I answer questions from previous guests on the podcast. So thank you John Gilmore for this question regarding the results of an experimental tidal energy project in Strangford Lough. Although I was not involved in the project, there were plenty of documents, as well as digging out old field trip notes during University, to delve into. So I share the key things I took from my research with you.

The episode covers:

What controls the tides?

Where is the best place to harness tidal energy?

What technology can be used to generate tidal energy?

What was the Seagen Project in Strangford?

What are the environmental impacts of tidal energy?

Is Tidal energy cost-effective?

What are the future plans for tidal energy in the UK and Ireland?

I hope you enjoy the episode and learn something new about our coasts.

Please let me know what you think at sam@coastalcatchups.com.

Earlier in the week I spoke with Dr Cliff Henry, who is a Nature Engagement Officer with the National Trust. Cliff is based on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, famous for its coastal landscapes from the basalt cliffs. Cliff has experience managing the Giants Causeway and gives us insight into the challenges the site faces through increasing visitor numbers and rising sea levels. We also talk about the wide range of activities happening at the site, such as volunteering and engaging with the local communities. My favourite part of our chat was about how the National Trust is applying and testing sustainable land use measures on their land to work with nature. This seems very relevant with the ongoing algal blooms impacting our waterways and coastlines. Don't forget you can subscribe to our email list and check out other episodes at www.coastalcatchups.com.

So you find seaweed sexy? I certainly do after my chat with Rhianna Rees from the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association. Rhianna shares her views and ongoing work about the remerging seaweed industry in the UK.

I found out about the historic importance of seaweed to coastal communities, and how society's perception has changed viewing it as something smelly that lies on the beach. In actual fact, there are endless uses for seaweed such as food, clothing and alternatives to plastic. Rihanna's mission is to highlight this use, creating a new sustainable industry for the UK from source to consumer.

Please leave a review on the episode, it would be great the hear your thoughts.

You can find out more about Coastal Catch Ups at www.coastalcatchups.com.

Earlier in the week I heard about the work ongoing at Castle Espie from Paul Stewart, the site's manager. Castle Espie is Northern Ireland's only Wildfowl and Wetland Trust site, situated on the coast of Strangford Lough. We talk about the importance of connecting with nature using eco-poetry, inspiring future generations in conservation and nature, and how the site is managed sustainably following the legacy of the WWT's Founder - Peter Scott. You can subscribe to our email newsletter to stay updated with new episodes and news at www. coastalcatchups.com WWT Website: https://www.wwt.org.uk

I had the absolute pleasure to speak with John Gilmore about his adventures around the Caribbean and his sailing career. It all started at a young age, but a key moment in John's life was when he quit his job at 31 years of age to purchase a boat to go on an adventure with a friend.

We talk about the highs and lows of his adventures, including a transatlantic trip with his family, and also his observations of the changing landscape in the Caribbean. John is now settled on the shores of Strangford Lough and enjoys racing a classic yacht called the Glen.

I spoke with Tomos Davies about the future of offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Tomos is a Project Manager and is passionate about the role south Wales will play in reaching the net-zero targets. Tomos also shared his enthusiasm for learning and development in the sector and the importance of collaboration.