Listening to Young Voices – School Engagement Across the Island

We recently delivered a series of interactive school workshops across the Isle of Wight, working with around 160 pupils to explore coastal erosion, coastal defences and what the coastline means to them.

Involving children and young people is vitally important, as the decisions made today will shape the coastline they will inherit in the future. Their perspectives help ensure long‑term coastal solutions reflect how future generations will use, value and care for these places.

Pupils shared thoughtful and imaginative ideas, including safe swimming spaces, wildlife protection, play opportunities and social areas. A strong emotional connection to the Island’s beaches was evident throughout the sessions.

These insights are helping to inform future engagement and design thinking. A full summary of the findings is available to read in the Downloads section of this page.