Dumfries and Galloway College, UK

Making the most of the coast - marine plastics

In association with The Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club, Solway Firth Partnership and Eco Warriors, Dumfries and Galloway College Photography and Visual Communication students have been working together to create photography and animation work which highlights the impact of plastic on marine life. As a starting point, these creative works will be used to aid the discussion and identify ways forward to address the issue of marine plastics and the effects they have on our environment and potential filtration into our food chain.

A Webinar will be held after the Holyrood Elections and attended by parties including The Rotary Club, SEPA, Solway Firth Partnership, Holyrood, Councils, and Marine Conservation groups where the video's will be viewed. The video works will also be shared and exhibited at Dumfries and Galloway College and with a larger local audience on social media. This project will help to highlight the serious issue of a regional 'plastic problem' and students have been able to respond to it in creative and thoughtful ways. The students were unable to gather as a group at the beach due to COVID restrictions, however the animation works were created to fully engage the students and highlight the issues in context.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Community partnerships are integral to college and student growth.
2. Encouraging innovation and out-of-the-box thinking in challenging times. 
3. Helping students to find their voice on key issues.