Blue Health for Earth Hour 2025
Each year on 22nd March Earth Hour marks a time for us to pause and commit to the future of people and planet.
This year organisations working across Ayrshire joined up to host a unique special event: Blue Health Day for Earth Hour. ‘Blue Health’ is the term given to connecting with coastal and wetland environments through outdoor activities that build individual and 
collective wellbeing. Spending time in nature is proven to boost mental and physical health and the GSA Biosphere Partnership supports people of all ages to find new opportunities to explore, learn, and try new social and sporting activities. Since 2022 we have been part of the Green Health & Active Living Partnership which developed the Green Health App (available on Google Play and the App Store), which promotes Green and Blue Health groups across Ayrshire.
Blue Health Day for Earth Hour 2025 took place at the Cutty Sark Centre in Ayr – and indeed beyond, with Adventure Carrick and The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire running canoeing tasters and other waterborne activities on the River Ayr, and Gillian’s Walks leading an evening wander to the historic harbour. The RNLI were there to provide information on keeping safe in and around the water, while SWSEIC and the South Ayrshire Ranger Service helped visitors learn about the wildlife, habitats, and natural curiosities you might find at the riverside or down by the beach. The Energy Agency led a visit to the hydro station beside Ayr College – a fascinating insight into how the power of the river can be harnessed for sustainable energy. There was also plenty of time for play; Biosphere Proud Supporters UnderSky had a sandcastle stations, and a ‘frieze for all’ painting where everyone was invited to paint their favourite underwater creatures. The GSA Biosphere Partnership’s stand featured some of our favourite games including our ever evolving tray of beachcombing finds, some of which are intriguing and perplexing! We were delighted to speak to so many visitors and share the places and projects that can help people make the most of Blue Health.
Some useful links if you’d like to find out more:
Blue Biosphere Resource for Marine & Sustainability Education: free to download, with hard copies available to schools, youth groups, and anyone supporting young people’s education and nature connections, just email us to request.
The South Ayrshire Snorkel Trail: newly launched in 2024 with locations along the UNESCO Biosphere’s beautiful western coast and a 
range of guided activities led by Biosphere Certification Mark awardee Adventure Carrick.
iNaturalist: citizen science for nature! Record everything you see from seaweed to sharks – all you need is a mobile phone.
Adventures in Nature: The GSAB Partnership has produced a series of short videos introducing some of our favourite sites for getting closer to nature, including the Mull of Galloway (an RSPB nature reserve and Scotland’s most southerly point) and St Ninian’s Cave at the Isle of Whithorn.
Green Health Calendar: published four times a year, this beautiful calendar is available online or in hardcopy and is designed to inspire with fresh ideas for getting outdoors. Look out for the Blue Health Calendar coming soon!
SCAMP: a new multi-year partnership initiative looking at community, biodiversity and the unique cultural heritage of the Solway coast – workshops and events already underway!
More of our partners: NHS Ayrshire & Arran, The Conservation Volunteers, Ayrshire Climate Hub; also check out our Explore the Biosphere Map for places to see and stay around the coast.
Go further: the GSA Biosphere is one of more than 50 UNESCO-designated sites around the UK and each one provides a unique experience. Why not have a green or blue theme for your next holiday? Discover more via the UK National Commission for UNESCO, and (if you’re keen to keep it Scottish) the dedicated site for Scotland’s UNESCO Trail.
