Beneath the waves of our coasts lies a habitat you might never have seen, but one we can’t afford to lose: seagrass. These underwater meadows are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth - and among the most threatened.

Seagrass may not have the star power of coral reefs or rainforests, but its impact is profound. These gentle green blades stabilise the seabed, filter the water, protect our coastlines from erosion, and absorb carbon. Crucially, they also act as underwater nurseries for a variety of marine life - from pipefish and cuttlefish to the elusive thornback ray.

And yet, across the UK, up to 92 per cent of our seagrass meadows have vanished over the past century. Widespread loss has been driven by disease, pollution, dredging, and anchor damage. Where lush beds once thrived, many areas are now bare. 

But the tide may be turning. At Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we’re working with partners to bring seagrass back to the Solent through region-wide efforts to restore our marine habitats with Solent Seascape Project, and the Solent Seagrass Restoration Project.

Earlier this spring, I waded into the River Hamble with colleagues from the Trust’s Marine team, careful not to disturb the swirling mud patterns beneath our feet as we prepared to plant 2,000 seagrass seeds into the estuary. Historical records show eelgrass once stretched from Southampton Water up the Hamble to Bursledon. But a wasting disease in the 1930s, combined with pollution and coastal development, saw those meadows vanish. We surveyed the river in 2011 and again in 2023 - not a blade remained.

With salt air in our lungs, we set about our restoration work. Using a technique called Dispenser Injection Seeding, we placed seeds directly into the seabed with minimal disruption to the marine habitat. Each tiny seed has the potential to help revive a once-flourishing underwater meadow.

This effort is one small part of a bigger movement. Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, hundreds of dedicated volunteers have helped collect and plant more than 58,000 seagrass seeds this year alone. Our restoration efforts draw on local knowledge, cutting-edge science and a strong network of partners - including Blue Marine Foundation - who all believe in a healthier future for our seas. 

It may take a few seasons to see what flourishes, but it’s a powerful step forward. By restoring these meadows, we’re not just planting grass. We’re planting the future health of our seas.