St Davids Catholic School and Oystermouth Primary
Date: November 9th

Protecting the environment- How the sea has shaped Mumbles

Unfortunately, we were not graced with favourable weather during our meeting with Oystermouth Primary School and St. David's Catholic School on Mumbles Pier Beach. Despite the overcast skies, the rain managed to hold off just long enough for us to discuss the Coastal Protection works in Mumbles, why Knights Brown are doing the works, what was involved and the benefits.

The students were then given the hands-on task of delving into the rockpools to discover the diverse array of creatures inhabiting the Mumbles shoreline. Divided into small groups armed with buckets, they eagerly collected and observed the various small creatures concealed beneath and on top of rocks. The discoveries were nothing short of delightful, ranging from crabs and limpets to prawns, common gobies, and seaweed. Once gathered, the students had the unique opportunity to consult with marine scientist Lauren from Wild Ocean Wonders, seeking insights and answers regarding their newfound marine treasures.

As the rain began to fall, the considerate owners of the pier arcade graciously opened their doors, providing us with a function room for us to have our lunch and continue our learning experience. The students were captivated by tales of seals and their pups in Mumbles, attentively absorbing information about the importance of preserving these marine mammals and the beaches they call home. The session also covered the seashore code, instilling in the students a sense of responsibility for the environment—urging them not to litter and to show respect for the creatures by returning them to their natural habitats.  They were given notebooks to work on their own seashore codes back at school.

A fascinating aspect of the excursion involved showcasing artefacts discovered on Mumbles Beach, in and around where the coastal protection works are currently in progress. This prompted engaging discussions, encouraging students to share their thoughts on the nature and era of the artefacts. The students will delve deeper into this element back at school when Gower Unearthed revisits. The exploration of these historical remnants adds a layer of historical context to the day, enriching the student's understanding of the significance of coastal protection efforts for future generations. 
Despite the weather's reluctance to cooperate, the day proved to be fun-filled bringing together two schools for shared learning.  We hope the students now better understand the coastal works and the Mumbles beach environment.