Inspiring the Next Generation of Coastal Guardians

At the Final Straw Foundation, we believe that connecting children with nature is the first step toward protecting it. That’s why our Wild Beach School programme has become such an exciting success story. Since we launched our programme in 2022, we have welcomed just over 3000 pupils from schools across Hampshire and West Sussex, bringing learning to life along our beautiful local coastlines at Hayling Island Sailing Club and Hill Head. 

Learning Where Land Meets Sea

Our Wild Beach sessions are all about hands-on, child-led exploration. Each visit invites children to step into the fascinating world of the shore and intertidal zone, where life thrives between the tides. From uncovering shore crabs hiding beneath rocks to discovering goby, blenny and even the odd eel, the beach becomes a living classroom filled with wonder and discovery.

At both Hayling Island and Hill Head, the natural environment offers endless opportunities for curiosity. Children not only learn about local flora and fauna, but also develop a deeper understanding of the fragile balance of coastal ecosystems — and their own role in protecting them. Our charity aims to ignite a sense of stewardship towards our beaches and we often try to incorporate a beach clean at the end of every session.

More Than a Beach Day

Every Wild Beach session is different, shaped by tides, weather, and imagination. Some days we focus on tide patterns and how the moon influences the sea. Other days, children might work together to build shelters and dens, developing teamwork, creativity, and resilience in the great outdoors. We find by encouraging play and exploration, our approach helps children build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong respect for the natural world.

Making Waves of Change

The impact of the Wild Beach School programme has been incredible. Children, teachers, and parents alike have told us how much these sessions have boosted not only environmental awareness but also wellbeing and connection to nature. Considering our schools are based along a coastal region, this year alone, we still met 74 wonderful children who hadn’t ever been to a beach before! It’s a touching moment to see the joy upon a child’s face as they jump and splash in waves, dig in sand and feel the salty sea air for the very first time. 

As one young explorer put it:
“I never knew there were so many amazing creatures right under our feet!”

We’re so proud of how far the programme has come and excited to continue expanding it so even more children can experience the magic of our local shores. We feel passionately that no school should be hindered by transport costs and therefore work tirelessly to fund all travel to our sites for those schools who have no access to a minibus or funds. 

Join Us

The Wild Beach School is a shining example of how education and conservation go hand in hand. By nurturing curiosity today, we’re helping to build a generation that cares deeply about the world tomorrow.

To learn more about our Wild Beach sessions or to get involved with the Final Straw Foundation, visit our educational outreach page here. Together, we can keep our coasts wild, thriving, and full of life.

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Read our latest educational outreach report here!