Join us as we celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, hearing from speakers who do vital work across the region to support our environment, wildlife and oceans, showcasing local businesses who specialise in eco and environmentally friendly products and ending with a group litter pick on one of Sunderland’s beautiful beaches.

We’re delighted to be welcoming representatives from Sunderland University, the Marine Conservation Society, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Climate Action North as our guest speakers:

Sharon Lashley, Managing Director for Climate Action North, who ignite action on climate change-related issues in the North of England.

Matt Barnes, Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager (North East) for the Marine Conservation Society. The MCS is the UK’s leading marine charity, working to ensure our seas are healthy, pollution free and protected.

Joanne Newbury, Learning Manager at The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s Washington Wetland Centre. WWT work hard to conserve, restore and create wetlands, save wetland wildlife, and inspire everyone to value the amazing things healthy wetlands achieve for people and nature.

Dr Monica Price, Senior Lecturer in Environment at The University of Sunderland. Monica will be presenting her research on air pollution, with particular focus on the disparity between the developed and developing worlds.

There will also be a wonderful array of eco-friendly stalls and businesses showcasing their products, highlighting the growing environmental awareness of businesses in the North East including:

• Durham Wildlife Trust
• Mahiqun Arts & Crafts raising money for Vanishing Vaquitas
• Seaham Waves

Eco-refreshments will be provided, bring your own reusable travel mug to claim your free hot drink!

Following the morning of inspiring speakers and stalls, we’ll be heading down to Roker Marina Beach, behind Sue’s Café, to take part in a Marine Conservation Society beach clean.

You’re more than welcome to join us for the whole day, for just the morning or to head down for the litter pick and help us clean some beach!

Schedule:

8.30am – 9.30am – refreshments and eco-stalls

9.30am – 10.30am – speakers

10.30am – 11am – break

11am – 12pm – speakers

12.00pm – 1pm – refreshments and eco-stalls

1.30pm – 3pm – litter pick at Roker Marina Beach