Leading conservation charity launches fun-filled spring events programme that will help address climate change

One of Scotland’s leading conservation and education charities – the Scottish Seabird Centre – is gearing up for a fun-filled spring season with a varied programme of exhibits and events, that help protect marine habitats and address climate change.  

With something to suit every age and pocket, including some free events, interactive games and storytelling, those who visit the five-star visitor attraction in the spring will discover the wonders of Scotland’s marine wildlife and coastal habitats and how they can help to protect them. The programme includes the renowned WILD exhibit (until 24 April) by natural history exhibition organisers Blue Tokay – this will be the first time the exhibit has visited East Lothian.

The popular live science shows (9 – 24 April) sees a return of Professor Egghead who is challenging audiences to live more sustainably in (Climate Sale). And new show SucSEED, introduces children to the super-hero plant seagrass and how restoring it can help in the fight against climate change.

Susan Davies, CEO said: “We’re delighted to host a full programme of events this spring. With something for every age and pocket, our team thrives on running fun and interactive sessions.

“As COVID restrictions continue to be eased, it means this spring is particularly significant. We can’t wait to engage with people at the Centre and through community and science festivals across the country. Underlying these fun and interactive sessions is a serious message about the need to act now to address the impacts of climate change and loss of nature. We aim to spark ideas about what people can individually do to help nature. 

“The new Live Science Show SucSEED also gives us an opportunity to show how we can reverse past habitat loss, through projects such as the WWF-UK led Restoration Forth which aims to re-establish native oysters and seagrass in the Firth of Forth.

“It’s an exciting time as we contribute directly to the UN decade on ecosystem restoration.”

Spring highlights at the Scottish Seabird Centre include:

WILD Touring Exhibition

Dates: Until 24th April (10am to 5pm)

Get up close to a Gannet in full dive as it plummets towards the sea or find out more about the migration of the incredible Atlantic Salmon, when natural history exhibition company Blue Tokay bring their WILD exhibit to North Berwick for the first time. The exhibition highlights the environmental pressures some wildlife species face, through a range of stunning taxidermy displays, models and fun interactives.

Cost: Exhibition viewing is included as part of admission to the Discovery Experience (free for members).

Gannet Games

Dates: 9.10, 23 and 24 April (2pm to 3.30pm)

The Scottish Seabird Centre is hosting these fun, interactive beach games, as part of the Edinburgh Science Festivals. Children will learn to gannet survival skills, such as speed, endurance and nest building, as they follow in the wingbeats of Georgie, a brave young gannet born on Bass Rock.

Age 5+

Cost: £5 per child (accompanying adult free).

SucSEED (Live Science Show)

Dates: 9,10,15,16, 23 & 24 April Time: 2pm

This brand-new fun-filled show with Scottish Seabird Centre’s much loved Professor Egghead is full of messy experiments and plenty of audience participation. Those lucky enough to get a ticket will discover more about seagrass and how these underwater super plants can help our oceans and wildlife to recover.

Cost: This event is free for children (£2:50 for accompanying adults), but must be booked in advance, see website for more details.

Climate Sale - When It's Gone It's Gone (Live Science Show)

Dates: 13,14, 20 & 21 April Time: 2pm

Back by popular demand for 2022, Professor Egghead will help audience members save a penny and the planet.

Cost: This event is free for children (£2:50 for accompanying adults), but must be booked in advance, see website for more details.

Storytelling

Dates: 16 & 23 April Time: 11.00am

For younger children the centre is running a series of wonderful marine-themed story telling sessions. This relaxed event is aimed at pre-school children and their parents and carers. The event runs for one hour but is designed to be 'drop-in' and informal.

Cost: This event is free, but must be booked in advance, see website for more details.

The Scottish Seabird Centre also runs a year-round series of coastal wildlife walks, beach cleans, Meet the Scientist talks and on-site events including live music nights and wine tastings. The Discovery Experience is open daily and boat trips around the Bass Rock will launch from 01 April.

For more information or to book visit: www.seabird.org