On the 25th and 26th October, the team from Project Seagrass attended Swansea Science Festival to launch new VR experience: My Seagrass Adventure.
The experience has been created as part of an innovative partnership between Project Seagrass, Proper Good Films, and Onyva Studio and takes users on a mesmerising journey through the UK’s seagrass meadows.
Featuring music from Project Seagrass’ patrons Coldplay and narration from Simon Pegg, My Seagrass Adventure allows users to explore a variety of creatures that call seagrass meadows home and learn about the importance of the UK’s seagrass habitats.
The experience aims to widen awareness of seagrass habitats and allow communities who wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to see seagrass to connect with the habitat.
Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth, CEO of Project Seagrass said: “This project has been a fantastic opportunity to create an immersive experience that allows anyone to explore the sights and sounds of our incredible UK seagrass meadows. One of the key challenges we face with seagrass, as with many marine ecosystems, is that it largely exists out of sight. By giving people virtual access to these underwater habitats, we can connect with many more people and plant the seed of seagrass appreciation. After all, we need to know about something and understand its value before we can truly care about protecting it.”
Andrew Brown, Creative Partner at Onyva Studio said: “It’s been great working with the team at Project Seagrass to bring this experience to life. Seeing people put the headset on at an event and feel like they are really diving down to the ocean floor is thrilling. We’re super proud to have been part of such an important and exciting project.”
Ben Mann, Managing Director at Proper Good Films said: “This was a fantastic collaboration between Project Seagrass, Proper Good and Onyva. We loved being part of such a meaningful project, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of seagrass for marine habitats. Having Coldplay and Simon Pegg involved really elevated it to a really impactful, meditative and inspiring immersive experience.”
Held at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, over 250 people had the opportunity to experience My Seagrass Adventure as part of its official launch.
The VR experience has been made possible due to the generous support of a range of funders and partners including Project Seagrass’ patrons Coldplay, Simon Pegg, Swansea University, ERM Foundation, the Seagrass Ocean Rescue: North Wales programme, Richard Unsworth, Rebecca Cullen, and many members of the Project Seagrass team who have contributed to this project.
