Snorkelling for Nature

The Wild Swimways project is protecting nature along the Menai Strait while introducing people to life under the water through snorkelling experiences.

Wild Swimways is a joint project between North Wales Rivers Trust (NWRT) and the Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Nature Partnerships which received funding from Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature Challenge Fund.

The project trained staff and volunteers to become RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) certified open water lifeguards and set up a hub to train volunteers as accredited snorkel guides. This will allow visitors to explore the fascinating wildlife in the Menai Strait and help with surveys, monitoring the state of nature and the water quality.

The Braint river is an important brown and sea trout habitat, and the project aims to protect this UK Priority Species, as well as all the other wildlife in this diverse, nature-rich area.

APP DEVELOPMENT
The funding has also been used to develop an app which allows members of the public to help out by contributing to surveys and habitat mapping of the area. As part of the app’s development, Wild Swimways commissioned JD Scuba to create a series of dive videos which will allow community members to participate in virtual dives and snorkel safaris and learn about local species and ecosystems.

VOLUNTEERS DIVE RIGHT IN
The project has already recruited 90 volunteers to help with coastal cleanup and take part in snorkel survey sessions. Participants have really enjoyed learning water safety and snorkelling skills and spending time in the beautiful waters around Ynys Môn, exploring nature and helping to look after their environment.

Volunteers have also helped develop wetland gardens at a local care home, engaging with the residents and sharing stories about the rivers of Gwynedd and Ynys Môn.

This project is a great example of how much people can gain from volunteering, enabling them to meet new people and try activities they’ve never done before. It also shows how protecting nature can be fun and even exhilarating.

ABOUT THE FUND
Local Places for Nature Challenge Fund is managed by WCVA’s Local Nature Partnerships Cymru scheme on behalf of Welsh Government. The aim of the fund is to restore and enhance biodiversity, support nature within communities, and increase access to nature on your doorstep for people across Wales.