The UK's marine environment is in severe ecological decline. Yet, there is growing momentum for recovery through conservation, restoration, advocacy, and community-led action. Across the UK, communities, NGOs, scientists, and policymakers are pioneering efforts to restore marine habitats, advocate for better protection, and reimagine the relationship between people and the sea.

From kelp rewilding in Sussex to oyster reef restoration in Scotland, and from community-led marine protected areas in Arran to large-scale seascape initiatives in the Solent, these efforts signal a shift toward integrated, place-based, and collaborative approaches to marine recovery.

We were commissioned by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to produce a comprehensive report which combined interviews, workshops, and research to identify key gaps and priorities for those working to restore marine ecosystems. Our report provides a suite of practical recommendations, organised into ten thematic areas, that aim to help funders, governments, and practitioners support recovery at scale.

Download the full report here.