Collaboration hub

A shared space for coastal, marine and estuarine guardianship

Across the UK, custodians, charities, enforcement partners and community groups are working every day to protect our coasts, estuaries and tidal waters. The Operation Seabird Collaboration Hub is being developed to bring these voices together — creating a shared, secure space for learning, coordination and best practice.

The Hub is currently in development and will expand as further funding becomes available. Its purpose is simple: to strengthen guardianship by making it easier for organisations to connect, share knowledge and support one another across the UK’s blue spaces.

Why the Collaboration Hub Matters

Guardianship works best when people can learn from each other. Across the UK, many organisations face similar challenges:

  • Disturbance to wildlife
  • Gaps in public understanding
  • Inconsistent access to guidance
  • Uncertainty around reporting routes
  • Limited opportunities to share what works

The Collaboration Hub provides a central place to address these challenges together. It supports:

  • Shared learning across coastal, marine and estuarine environments
  • Consistent, science-led guidance
  • Collaboration between custodians and enforcement partners
  • Stronger community engagement
  • A unified approach to guardianship across the UK

The Hub is not a public forum. It is a professional space designed to support those who care for blue spaces and the wildlife that depends on them.

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🌱 What the Hub Will Offer

As development continues, the Hub will grow to include:

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Shared Best Practice

Guidance, templates, case studies and examples from across the UK’s coasts, estuaries and tidal waters.

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Learning and Training

Resources to support volunteer development, community engagement and wildlife aware behaviour.

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Collaboration Tools

Spaces for organisations to connect, ask questions, share updates and coordinate approaches.

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Signposting and Support

Clear routes for reporting, advice and partnership working — helping organisations navigate complex situations with confidence.

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A National Network

A place where custodians, charities, enforcement partners and community groups can work together to strengthen guardianship at scale.

🛡️ Two Private Areas Within the Hub

To ensure clarity, safety and appropriate information sharing, the Hub contains two distinct private areas,
each with its own purpose and access criteria.

1. Custodians & Charities Area

For organisations without an enforcement remit, including:

  • Marine, coastal and estuarine custodians
  • Charities and NGOs
  • Community groups
  • Land managers
  • Volunteer-led organisations

This area focuses on:

  • Education and engagement
  • Community-led guardianship
  • Shared resources
  • Best practice for reducing disturbance
  • Volunteer support and training

2. Enforcement Partners Area

For UK based agencies with an enforcement remit in this field, including:

  • Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
  • Natural England
  • Natural Resources Wales
  • Local Government Authorities
  • Policing
  • RSPCA
  • Environment Agency

This area supports:

  • Consistent interpretation of guidance
  • Shared understanding of disturbance issues
  • Cross-agency collaboration
  • Non-operational knowledge exchange

It is not a space for live case reporting or operational coordination.

🚫 Important: The Hub Is Not for Live Case Reporting

To protect people, wildlife and partner agencies, the Hub must not be used for:

  • Reporting live incidents
  • Sharing sensitive or operational information
  • Coordinating enforcement responses
  • Submitting evidence

All live cases must continue to be reported through the appropriate statutory channels.

The Hub exists solely for best practice, learning and collaboration.

💼 Annual Administrative Fee

To support the ongoing administration, maintenance and development of the Collaboration Hub, approved organisations contribute a small annual administrative fee. As a Community Interest Company, all income is reinvested directly into public benefit activity, ensuring the Hub remains sustainable, accessible and aligned with our mission.

🔐 Access and Approval

Access to the Collaboration Hub is subject to approval by Operation Seabird to ensure:

  • The right organisations are in the correct private area
  • Information is shared safely and appropriately
  • The Hub remains a trusted, professional space

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Their organisational role
  • Their remit (custodian/charity or enforcement)
  • Their connection to coastal, marine or estuarine guardianship
  • Their intended use of the Hub

Once approved, users will receive login details and guidance on how to use the Hub effectively.

Collaboration Hub Access Request Form

Request access to the Operation Seabird Collaboration Hub

Please complete the form to request access to one of the Hub’s private areas:

Custodians & Charities Area

For marine, coastal and estuarine custodians, charities, community groups and land managers without an enforcement remit.

Enforcement Partners Area

For UK based agencies with an enforcement remit in this field, including MMO, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Local Government Authorities, Policing, RSPCA and the Environment Agency.

Access is subject to approval by Operation Seabird.

The Hub is for sharing best practice only and must not be used for live case reporting.

Collaboration Hub Access Request Form


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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.