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We need volunteers to join us on our Shoresearch events around the Selsey area. We are currently monitoring three sites, each has a different feel when exploring. What is Shoresearch? It is a volunteer programme that allows you to take part to help our coasts. The Sussex Shoresearch volunteer program is coordinated by the Sussex Wildlife Trust and forms part of a national programme of Shoresearch recording led by The Wildlife Trusts. Mulberry Marine Experiences are working in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust to offer more opportunities for you to take part. The aim is to build a baseline of data on the wildlife that is living in the intertidal ecosystem around Sussex, that can be used to improve understanding and promote conservation. What Happens? The events are timed to coincide with low water so we can conduct a walk over survey recording the species that we find and the habitats where they are living. Each event will last for around 2-3 hours and involve walking, wading and exploration of rocky areas. Who is it suitable for? Suitable for anyone over 12, but all children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. We do offer some junior events for younger children that want to be included, they will be advertised a Junior Shoresearch. Do I need to be an expert in Marine Life? No. All you need is eagle eyes and a sense of adventure. Cameras are welcome and we are happy to arrange events for school groups, and educational facilities All shoresearch events are provide free of charge and run by first aid trained members of the Mulberry team.

Our beaches are full of marine life just waiting for you to discover them; however, it can be small and easy to miss. A Marine Life walk will introduce you to the marine residents of Selsey’s intertidal zone, with insights into their daily life. They are led by a SSI Marine Ecology Instructor who will show you where to look providing information and answering your questions. Featured in The Guardian in 2020 as one of the top ten best activities on our coasts why not come along and find out more. Group and family friendly, walks are suitable for all ages and last about an hour and half. Held at locations around Selsey, West Sussex including Selsey Bill, Selsey Lifeboat Station and on the spits of the mussel beds at East Beach. We do not cover vast distances, but you will be amazed at just how much you will see. Cameras and questions are essential so please bring both! Part treasure hunt, always fun, no two walks are ever the same. We do walk over groynes and shingle to get up close to the marine residents of the intertidal zone. If you are not able to walk on shingle, please ask about how we can deliver this service to suit you. You can keep your feet dry or wear shoes and clothes suitable for a little wading we can introduce you too even more. The choice is yours. All money raised from our Marine Life Walks funds the Ecology and educational work that we conduct, including children's clubs and certifications, beach cleans and surveys, and citizen science work to support local projects and charities. If you would like to arrange a private walk at Selsey, please contact us to discuss your needs, we would be delighted to help, we can even come to beach near you!

The SSI Marine Ecology Course is designed to provide you with a general introduction to the subject of marine ecology. You will look at how marine organisms interact with each other and their environment, the flow of energy through communities, and the link between ocean ecosystems. We look at the way humans interact with the oceans. Allowing us to better understand the effect this has on the complex and balanced ecosystems and measures we can take to protect them. Provided with your courses is an online manual that will provide you with a global overview, then in your academic workshop we will cover unique content that brings all the information together in a UK and Selsey context. Who is suitable for? Anyone aged over six who has an interest in marine ecology. Do I have to get in the water? No this is a land-based course open to everyone with an interest. You have the option to add a Marine Life Walk, snorkel, or shore dive at Selsey, to see first-hand the theories covered in class. Just ask for details of the cost and how to add this to your course when booking. What is included in my course fee? Digital Manual Digital Certification card on completion Digital Mulberry Recognition of the Selsey viewpoint on completion Workshop and presentations across four hours Access to the free Blue Oceans material on registration with SSI. If you want to further your understanding of the oceans and their inhabitants, we offer a range of SSI Ecology courses including, Manta and Ray Ecology, Fish Identification, Coral Identification, Marine Mammal Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology and Shark Ecology. Cannot decide and want to do them all check out the Ecology Course bundle for a saving. Every course helps us do a little more.

Living in the UK we are surrounded by the sea which contains some beautiful and marvelous marine life. At Mulberry Marine Experiences we are inspired by the love our Junior Ecologists have for the ocean and are passionate about giving them the chance to get involved in a practical, fun way and help them further their knowledge. Starting this February half term, we are offering dedicated Marine Ecology events for the younger ocean lover in your family. Expanding on our work with the successful summer school program these smaller micro events offer them the opportunity to get hands on. Led by SSI Marine Ecology Instructor Anya. With over 20 years of UK experience, she loves nothing more than sharing the incredible facts stuffed into her head and time on the beach. Sessions will initially be offered during school holidays and each one will be 3 hours long. What we will be doing? Exploring our beach, searching for both the life on our shores and evidence of those preferring to live fully under the water. We will have some Beach Bingo fun and then a Junior Eco Warriors feature focusing on how they can help the ocean with an in-depth feature on UK sharks and rays this time around. Children must be over 8 years old if unaccompanied, but adults are welcome to stay and join the fun if that is easier for your child. Any accompanying adults are free so when signing up just pay for the Junior Ecologist! Younger Ecologists welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. An indoor event will be offered if weather means we cannot be on the beach safely and have a little fun. We use the money raised from this and other paid events to sponsor children to learn to SWIM. We could not do it without you so thank you for helping us. Community and water safety is at our core. Who is this suitable for? Children who are interested in the beach and learning more Do they go in the water in February? No, these are beach based dry fun sessions. Where are they held? We use a couple of locations around Selsey so will always confirm at the time of booking where we will be. Do they need to have any experience or understanding? No, the event will be delivered at their level, they just need a sense of fun and to like being outside.

What is a Citizen Science? It is when the public voluntarily helps conduct scientific research. The programmes are designed by scientists and contribute to the knowledge, and well being of our natural environment. At Mulberry Marine Experiences, taking part in these programmes help us to support the Marine Environment, local charities and groups that are working on specific projects to support the waters and inhabitants around the UK. Citizen Science Days will show you how you can turn every beach day into a positive way to help the seas and oceans, they are your chance to make a difference. Why come along? It might be your first time and you are not sure where to start, it could be to help a project you are already supporting further, a chance to find out more about the work that we carry out and meet a group of who people want to have fun whilst helping. We offer days monthly and each day will be made up of several elements including micro beach cleans (specific sites in areas of 100ms), shark and ray egg case recording, kelp recording, intertidal species surveys, and marine interactions including how to act around seals, reporting sightings of healthy and sick animals. There are opportunities for volunteers to take part in water if you want but this optional. For more information on taking part in the water check out our Seasearch Observer Days for snorkellers, freedivers and divers. Each Citizen Science Day will be run by Mulberry staff who are fully first aid trained. Full briefings and equipment will be provided (thank you to COVE Communities who sponsored our beach clean kits) for all land-based activities, if you are taking part in water equipment can be hired. These family friendly days are provided as free community programmes, but we do ask you to enroll below so we can plan staff accordingly. Would you like to volunteer to help us run these dates? Give us a call on 01243 601000. If you are a business looking to get your staff involved, we offer corporate days. Contact us to discuss our well being and environment offering for your employees. Please join us, we cannot do it without you.

Following the success of our classes in 2024 we will be holding water safety classes this summer. We all love time on the beach and cooling down with a dip, however water related instances for the RNLI and Coastguard are on the increase. Reports from 2023 show that 1 in 3 adults and children in the UK cannot comfortably swim just 25 metres in a pool and are nervous about the sea. These courses are designed to raise awareness around all aspects of water safety whilst having fun. Adults, children and family groups are all welcome. We will help each participant understand how to assess a beach before entering the water, including tide and current indicators, explore buoyancy, exposure, get you comfortable with your Float to Live position, look at equipment/toys that helps or hinders and more. The courses are run by SSI Swimming, Snorkelling, Freediving and SCUBA Professionals using their extensive knowledge of the sea to make sure you can enjoy a beach day in comfort and safety. They are half day courses, and we will provide you with all the equipment you need. If you have some favourite beach toys, bring them and we can work them into your course. How old do they need to be to take part? The course is suitable for anyone aged 8 and above. They need to be water confident and swim 25 metres without buoyancy aids. What equipment do they need to take part? A swimming costume, a towel and clothes for after. If they have a mask, snorkel or wet suit they are welcome to bring along, however we will supply what is needed apart from swimming costume, goggles and a towel. Can I have an adult only session? We can arrange for one of the dates to be exclusively for adults. Please email info@mulberry-me.co.uk for details. What happens if the weather is bad? We will make an assessment and alter the activities if we believe that conditions will not be safe. In the event we have to cancel you will be offered an alternative date.

If you are ready to explore deeper open water environments, then the SSI Freediver Course is the key. After completion you will have the skills and knowledge to allow you to plan and safely conduct dives to depths of up to 25 metres with your buddy. Mulberry Marine Experiences offer this course as an upgrade to the Pool Freediver course. Why would you choose to do this? If you complete the first part in the colder months you can develop your skills at the club pool and open water sessions to make the depth progression in open water even more comfortable. This upgrade works by adding two sessions in Open Water to the Pool Freediver Course you have already achieved. These are held in the sea at Selsey, West Sussex and other sites along the South Coast like Chesil Beach. Working with your SSI Freediving Instructor we will progress your depth on the line and ask you to perform skills from depth. If you are interested in completing the course from start to finish not as an upgrade, please contact us to discuss options. Is there a minimum age? You need to be at least 12 years old. Junior Freedivers need to dive with a certified adult or professional until they are 15. Do I need my own equipment? Only as mask and snorkel, we will provide everything else you need. We have a full range of masks and snorkels and will conduct a full fitting at your equipment workshop. How long does it take? We run the upgrade across one day with multiple sessions. What is included? Digital Manual Academics workshops Practical breathing class Two confined water/pool sessions Digital certification card on completion Equipment hire (you will need a mask and snorkel set) Instructor time Everything you do help us do a little more so thank you.

Did you know that an estimated 30% of the UK adult population did not feel they could swim 25m? Another 30% would say not well or comfortably, whether you are just starting out as Swimmer or looking to improve the SSI Adult SWIM programme can build the skills and confidence that you need. There are plenty of good reasons to learn to swim including physical and mental health benefits, safety and do not forget fun. Your swim teacher will work with you to build the confidence in your own abilities and build your progression as your water confidence grows. If you have any concerns about learning to Swim, we recommend that you come along and watch a class to see how it works before signing up and discuss with your SWIM teacher. We keep adult beginner classes very small, just two in a group class, allowing you plenty of time with the teacher to focus on you. The beginner adult classes last for 18 weeks and are progressed at your own pace. You build confidence with each step before moving onwards and your teacher is happy to discuss all aspects of your training with you. If you prefer private tuition is available. It might be that you can SWIM but want to focus on improving your freestyle, learning how to breathe so you can swim further, improve on back stroke and breaststroke techniques. Your SWIM teacher will personalise the programme for your needs. It can as simple as I would like to be able to float on my back to start. Where are lessons held? We use a private pool in Selsey, we have exclusive access in sessions. How long are the lessons? Each lesson is 30 minutes, you teacher will be in the water with you for every minute. Do I have to pay in one lump sum? We take a deposit when you book online and then the rest is paid before your lessons begin. We have an installment plan, just ask after paying your deposit for details. Do I need any equipment? You will need your swim wear and it can help to have goggles as you progress, your teacher will talk you through this. We will provide everything else you need.

You will see amazing marine life when you are exploring but sometimes seeing is not enough. You may want to capture the moment to show family and friends or enjoy again for yourself. If you have never used a camera in the water it is different and the SSI Photo and Video program teaches you the skills needed to freedive safely with an underwater camera set up. In addition It provides you with the in-depth knowledge and experience you need to effectively use, maintain, and store your equipment. You will learn how to approach and interact with your underwater subjects, and what the effects of light and visibility will have on your perfect shot and video. Whether you have your own camera or are using one of ours we will teach you how to prepare the camera before entering the water. During the two pool sessions we will look at your buoyancy with a camera, and awareness of your surroundings. You will practice taking pictures and video using still and moving subjects. Then in a post pool workshop we review and look at processing and editing techniques. You can add an optional open water freedive at Selsey Lifeboat Station. You instructor will take you on a dive and locate subjects for you to photograph and video. We will then review these with you post dive. Just ask for prices and dates. Is there a minimum age? You need to be at least 10 years old and have a Basic Freediver or equivalent certification. Do I need my own equipment? Only as mask and snorkel, we will provide everything else you need, including a compact and video camera for you to use. You are of course welcome to use your own if you have it. How long does it take? It will be offered across two dates so you can consolidate the images from the first session before we move on the second session. What is included? Digital Manual Academics workshops Two confined water/pool sessions Digital certification card on completion Equipment hire (you will need a mask and snorkel set) Instructor time Everything you do help us do a little more so thank you.

The SSI Pool Freediver Course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to safely enjoy freediving with your buddy in water/pool environment to a maximum depth of 5 metres. It is where the Freediver Course begins, and you need all the elements here to progress to that depth certification. Even if depth is not your goal, then this course allows you to use Freediving to improve your fitness and relaxation methods, whilst having fun! The UK temperate climate means being in the sea all year round is sometimes not possible, but that does not mean it has to stop. Once a certified Pool Freediver, you can join us for the Winter Freediving programme, pool sessions and events to prepare you to fully enjoy the ocean every chance you can. What is Involved? You will take part in Academic and breathing workshops, where your SSI Freediving Instructor will expand on your reading and explore the theory you need for safety and comfort. We will explore relation and breathing patterns learning about how your own body responds to breath hold. You will then take part in two pool sessions to master your dynamic, static, buddy and rescue skills. This foundation is the basis for the SSI Freediver Course. At Mulberry Marine Experiences we split that depth course into the two parts to allow time for you to develop in comfort and at your own pace. If you opt to train as a Pool Freediver in the cooler months, you can begin preparing for the warmer weather and deeper depth. Is there a minimum age? You need to be at least 12 years old. Do I need my own equipment? Only as mask and snorkel, we will provide everything else you need. We have a full range of masks and snorkels and will conduct a full fitting at your equipment workshop. How long does it take? We run the course across two days, once for workshops and a pool session, then you come back for a second pool session. What is included? Digital Manual Academics workshops Practical breathing class Two confined water/pool sessions Digital certification card on completion Equipment hire (you will need a mask and snorkel set) Instructor time Everything you do help us do a little more so thank you.

The SSI Coral Identification Course will provide you with an insight into the fascinating world of corals. These tiny marine animals can form coral reefs, one of the most bio diverse ecosystems in the ocean and providing a colourful home to an abundance of life. These delicately balanced systems reflect the general health of the ocean. We will explore the basic structure of corals and coral reefs; their various reproductive methods, including mass spawning events. You will learn what to look for to help you identify various coral families you encounter and examine coral health issues. In your workshop presentation we will explore the cold-water coral species that have made the UK home. Beautiful and delicate solitary and colonial species and even deep cold-water reefs. Who is suitable for? Anyone aged over six who has an interest in marine ecology. Do I have to get in the water? No this is a land-based course open to everyone with an interest. If you are Certified Snorkel Divers or Open Water Divers there are options to add a snorkel, or dive. Just ask for details of the locations, cost and how to add this to your course when booking. What is included in my course fee? Digital Manual Digital Certification card on completion Digital Mulberry Recognition card showing you have focused on UK species Workshop and presentations across four hours Access to the free Blue Oceans material on registration with SSI. If you want to further your understanding of the oceans and their inhabitants, we offer a range of SSI Ecology courses including, Manta and Ray Ecology, Fish Identification, Coral Identification, Marine Mammal Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology and Shark Ecology. Cannot decide and want to do them all check out the Ecology Course bundle for a saving. Every course helps us do a little more.

The oceans are full of fascinating and beautiful fish of all shapes and sizes. When we explore rock pools, go snorkelling or on a SCUBA dive there is so much to see and when you know where to look, you can discover even more. The SSI Fish Identification Course teaches you about the fish you encounter and what you need to help you identify a fish see for the first time. Your online manual will focus on the common but colourful fish families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, and Red Sea reef fish. Then in a presentation workshop we add unique additional sections to cover the fish you are most likely to encounter along the South Coast of England. We look at their ICUN status, and where and when you are likely to encounter them. Who is suitable for? Anyone aged over six who has an interest in marine ecology. Do I have to get in the water? No this is a land-based course open to everyone with an interest. You have the option to add a rock pool session. Certified Snorkel Divers or Open Water Divers can add a snorkel, or shore dive at Selsey, to see how many you can discover for yourself. Just ask for details of the cost and how to add this to your course when booking. Come and discover the rich biodiversity of the Sussex seas. What is included in my course fee? Digital Manual Digital Certification card on completion Digital Mulberry Recognition of the Selsey viewpoint on completion Workshop and presentations across four hours Access to the free Blue Oceans material on registration with SSI. If you want to further your understanding of the oceans and their inhabitants, we offer a range of SSI Ecology courses including, Manta and Ray Ecology, Fish Identification, Coral Identification, Marine Mammal Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology and Shark Ecology. Cannot decide and want to do them all check out the Ecology Course bundle for a saving. Every course helps us do a little more.