Guardians
of the United Kingdom’s Shores
Across the UK, people are coming together to care for our coasts, estuaries and tidal habitats. Everyone can be a guardian — through volunteering, sharing wildlife-aware choices or simply enjoying blue spaces with care.
Our shared resources offer practical guides, toolkits and learning materials that make wildlife-aware choices simple. Clear, accessible information helps all of us enjoy and protect blue spaces with confidence.
Our purpose is to strengthen collective guardianship by reducing disturbance through shared understanding, positive engagement and accessible education. Together, we help people enjoy marine, coastal and estuarine environments while protecting the wildlife that depends on them.
Our Why
Operation Seabird began with local people who cared deeply about their coastline and wanted to protect the wildlife that makes these places special. Their early efforts sparked a shared commitment to guardianship that continues to grow across the UK.
As more communities, custodians and partners joined in, the movement evolved into a national network shaped by shared guidance, collaboration and a collective desire to enjoy blue spaces responsibly. Together, we’ve built a consistent, supportive approach that helps prevent disturbance before it happens.
We’re working towards a future where everyone feels part of caring for our coasts, estuaries and tidal waters — a future where wildlife thrives, communities feel connected and blue spaces remain places of wonder for generations to come.
Impact statistics
Community-reported wildlife encounters reviewed
Shared insight helps us understand where seabirds, seals and cetaceans most need space and protection across coasts, estuaries, tidal waters and sensitive habitats.
Significant disturbance events identified and responded to
Collective action supports safer resting, feeding and breeding conditions for vulnerable marine and estuarine wildlife across key habitats.
Consistent public feedback praising habitat-wide guidance
Communities across coastal, estuarine and tidal environments describe the guardianship approach as clear, supportive and empowering — helping people understand and protect the wildlife and habitats they love.
To strengthen public understanding, wildlife-aware behaviour and community participation in the protection of coastal, marine and estuarine habitats, ensuring these environments are safeguarded for current and future generations.
A United Kingdom where people, wildlife and coastal communities thrive together through informed, responsible and sustainable enjoyment of blue spaces.
Public Benefit
Everything we do is for the good of communities, wildlife and future generations, ensuring our work always serves the wider public.
Education & Engagement
We focus on prevention through clear, accessible guidance that helps people enjoy blue spaces responsibly and confidently.
Collaboration
We work alongside custodians, partners and communities, recognising that shared care creates the strongest protection for our coasts and estuaries.
Consistency
We provide simple, reliable guidance that aligns with national and devolved standards, helping everyone make wildlife-aware choices wherever they visit.
Stewardship & Guardianship
We encourage collective responsibility for caring for marine, coastal and estuarine environments, empowering people to protect the places they love.
Balance
We support wildlife protection alongside sustainable recreation and coastal livelihoods, helping people and nature thrive together.
map
Our national guardianship map is coming soon. It will showcase organisations, community groups, events, and local guardians across the UK who are working together to protect our coasts, estuaries, and blue spaces. As we continue to populate the map, this space will grow into a living network of people and places making a real difference.
Impacts & Stories
To empower communities to protect, cherish and steward the UK's coastal, marine and estuarine environments through simple, science-backed guidance and collaborative action.”
To empower communities to protect, cherish and steward the UK's coastal, marine and estuarine environments through simple, science-backed guidance and collaborative action.
Get Involved
Be part of a growing national movement that protects our coasts, estuaries, and blue spaces through education, guardianship, and collective action. Every contribution — time, energy, or funding — helps us create safer shores for wildlife and more connected communities across the UK.