Solent Seascape
Restoring the Solent’s coastal and marine habitats to recover biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and benefit local communities.
The Solent, one of the most intensively used waterways in the United Kingdom, stretches between the mainland and the Isle of Wight. This 52,200 ha network of harbours, estuaries, islands, mudflats and seagrass meadows supports an extraordinary range of species, from critically endangered European eels and thresher sharks to nesting seabirds and wintering flocks of over 125,000 ducks, geese, and waders.
Years of degradation, including the loss of more than half the Solent’s saltmarsh since the 1860s and the collapse of oyster fisheries, have reduced the area’s ecological connectivity. Despite this, the Solent remains a place of high biodiversity, cultural value, and economic importance. The Solent Seascape Project is working to restore and reconnect habitats across the region, demonstrating how seascape-level recovery can support nature, people, and climate.
Blue Marine Foundation
Solent, Southern England
England, UK
Ongoing since 2022
52,200 ha
Saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, mudflats, estuaries, seabird nesting sites
Native oyster, little tern, ringed plover, dwarf seagrass, glasswort, European seabass, Long-snouted seahorse
Blue carbon storage, coastal protection, nutrient cycling, sustainable fisheries, recreation and wellbeing
Why this place matters
Despite high levels of degradation, the Solent still exhibits high levels of biodiversity and provides an important habitat for many species, including harbour seals.
The Solent’s rich network of habitats forms a vital corridor for marine and coastal species. Seagrass meadows and saltmarshes capture carbon and stabilise sediments; mudflats and oyster reefs filter water and support fish nurseries; and nesting islands provide refuge for seabirds and waders.
However, industrialisation, pollution and sea level rise have eroded these natural defences. Since the 19th century, over 50% of the Solent’s saltmarshes have been lost, while oyster populations have declined by 95%. The remaining 650 hectares of seagrass are in poor condition, reflecting national declines. These changes affect biodiversity and local livelihoods tied to fishing, shipping and tourism.
Despite these challenges, the Solent’s resilience and the strong network of conservation organisations make it a leading example of seascape recovery in Europe. Existing designations, including Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar sites and Marine Conservation Zones, provide a solid foundation for large-scale restoration.
Action on the ground
The Solent Seascape Project brings together conservation groups, research institutions, regulators and local communities to restore ecological connectivity across the Solent.
The project is actively restoring saltmarsh habitat, seagrass meadows and native oyster reefs to enhance biodiversity, connectivity and carbon storage.
seabird nesting sites are being re-established to support breeding and roosting populations.
The project is working with local fishers and stakeholders to co-design sustainable management plans.
Financial mechanisms and policy tools are being developed to enable long-term restoration at scale.
oysters have been restored to the seascape.
volunteers are involved in the project, which is focusing on empowering local communities through education, stewardship programmes and citizen science.
indicators are being monitored, including blue carbon and biodiversity indicators to quantify ecological and climate benefits.
Visit the Solent Seascape website
20,000 native oysters deployed onto new reef in Chichester Harbour
Seagrass begins to flourish in the Hamble for the first time in almost 100 years
Restored lagoon islands deliver strong breeding season at Langstone Harbour
