This summer, the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association (ACAA) delivered an exciting programme of coastal conservation and climate awareness activities across Ashington and the surrounding Northumberland coastline. Over seven weeks, families and community members of all ages came together to learn, create, and take action for the environment. The programme combined interactive workshops, beach excursions and creative arts sessions to make climate education both engaging and accessible. From uncovering the hidden life of rockpools at St Mary’s Lighthouse and identifying local marine species, to examining the challenges of plastic pollution and climate change, participants gained a deeper appreciation of the unique coastal ecosystems right on their doorstep.
Creativity played an important role throughout the summer project. Participants created seaweed pressings, hand painted ceramic tiles, printed seabirds, and collaborated on a giant community mural about the effects of plastic in the ocean. These artworks not only showcased creativity but also sparked conversations about conservation and sustainability. Practical activities such as beach cleans, habitat exploration, and expert-led sessions gave participants the opportunity to make a real, visible difference. These experiences not only deepened understanding but also empowered people to take action in their own community. The programme reinforced a powerful message that small, local efforts can ripple outward to create meaningful global impact.
The programme attracted a wonderful mix of participants, including local residents, holidaymakers, and members of the refugee community. This diversity fostered intergenerational and intercultural exchange, with creativity serving as a shared language. Learning together, participants of all backgrounds united around a common goal, to protect the environment.
It was an honour to facilitate all the sessions. Blending creativity with environmental education, I aimed to help participants connect with the climate crisis in a personal and meaningful way. By using art as a tool for activism, I ensured that the environmental messages of the programme were not only heard but also seen. These workshops have provided the community with lasting artworks that serve as powerful reminders of our shared responsibility to protect the ocean.
The programme concluded with a lively celebration wrap-up event at Blyth Beach, featuring a community beach clean, eco-art chalk drawings, and a talk on ghost fishing nets. It was a celebration of everything learned and created over the summer and a reminder of the power of community action.
This project was made possible through the generous support of the Northumberland Climate and Environment Fund. The fund underscores the Council’s commitment to environmental initiatives and supports its corporate priorities of tackling inequalities and driving economic growth. The ACAA’s “Coastal Conservation and Climate Awareness” initiative was proud to be part of this important work, helping to engage families, young people, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds in learning, creativity and action for our environment. The success of this summer programme showed how education, creativity and collective action can inspire people to connect with and care for the natural world. We are deeply grateful to all participants, volunteers, funders and partners who helped make it possible. Together, we have taken steps toward a more sustainable future and left lasting reminders, in both art and action, of the importance of protecting our coastlines.
Written by: Ali Elly