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Native oyster artificial reef construction signup sheet

Dear Volunteers,

We’re excited to share that the Wild Oysters Project is preparing to build a native oyster reef just off the coast of Souter Point—a major step forward in restoring native oysters to the Tyne & Wear area.

This initiative will involve deploying specially-designed concrete blocks called artificial reef structures that have been covered with 4000 oysters at sea to form an oyster reef.

Volunteer details
What: We’re currently recruiting volunteers to help us prepare these reefs; the main task will involve scrubbing 4000 oysters which have been delivered from Scotland with wire brushes and chisels. This will crucially ensure they are free from invasive species and parasites to help them pass important biosecurity protocols
When: 23rd and 24th of September (3 slots each day, sessions 2-2.5 hours each)
Where: North Shields Fish Quay

Why?
This is a fantastic one-time opportunity to help rebuild the North East's depleted marine environment by contributing towards the construction of a native oyster reef. This also compliments our marina monitoring sessions which you may have attended. During your time with us, you’ll also have the chance to learn more about the Wild Oysters Project, our restoration efforts, and the positive impact we’re making on the local marine environment.

This is a unique opportunity for you to make a direct impact on local water quality, biodiversity, and the health of our local marine ecosystem. You’ll also gain:
- Practical knowledge of and exposure to exciting initiatives happening along the Tyne & Wear coast
- Hands-on experience in pioneering marine restoration
- Practical STEM skills
- A chance to connect with like-minded volunteers

If you’d like to be involved, please register below for one (or more!) of the slots, and more details will follow in due course.

Key health & safety information
- The work will be happening in a working fish quay, and we are being kindly hosted by the operators, so professional conduct is important at all times
- If you have any doubts over shellfish allergies, please do not attend
- Please be aware that work will require manual usage of wire brushes and chisels
- Please dress for the weather, noting that it may be chilly, especially in the evenings
- Gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided

If you have any questions, please contact me at ben.coppin@groundwork.org.uk.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards, Ben
Marine Engagement & Restoration Officer, Groundwork North East and Cumbria.

The Wild Oysters Project is a partnership between Groundwork North East and Cumbria and Zoological Society of London.
The project is funded by the Stronger Shores Partnership, led by South Tyneside Council, with funding from Defra as part of the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programmes (FCRIP) managed by the Environment Agency.

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