Clearwater Group links up with the Coastal Communities Network (CCN), Argyll

In April 2026, members of the Clear Water Group attended a gathering of the Coastal Communities Network in Argyll, joining over 30 coastal groups from across the country. Each community brought its own perspective, but a shared purpose was clear—to better understand and protect the marine environments we all depend on.

Across the weekend, we heard from community groups and organisations including NatureScot, gaining insight into both the challenges facing our seas and the practical steps being taken elsewhere. What stood out was how much can be achieved when local knowledge is combined with scientific methods and strong collaboration.

A particular highlight was the live demonstration of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Seeing this technology in action—surveying the seabed and identifying key habitats—brought real clarity to how we might strengthen our own research. It reinforced the importance of gathering credible evidence, particularly in identifying Primary Marine Features (PMFs) that could support future protection.

We returned from the gathering with a clearer sense of direction. We learned that meaningful change comes from combining consistent data collection, community involvement, and partnership working. Just as importantly, we saw how accessible marine research can be when people are given the opportunity to take part.

These experiences have directly shaped what we are bringing to our event on 16th May (https://www.coveandkilcreggancommunity.com/events/clearwater-open-day-beach-exploration).

Our aim is not only to share what we have learned, but to open the door for others to get involved. Through hands-on beach exploration and simple citizen science activities, we hope to begin building a stronger local evidence base—together.

This is just the beginning!