Follow a self-guided trail to learn about the earth, take part in ocean-themed activities and listen to talks on waves and waters as part of Royal Museums Greenwich’s celebration of World Oceans Day on 8 June 2024, in collaboration with Royal Parks
Enjoy a Saturday with family exploring and learning about the climate crisis. World Oceans Day takes place on 8 June every year to celebrate the ocean.
Over 70 per cent of Earth is covered in water, and more than half of all the oxygen we breathe comes from ocean plants. There is a reliance on the ocean for food security, transportation, coastal defences and much more.
So, as much as we can celebrate our oceans, there is also a need to recognise the climate crisis, and the impact that humans have on rivers, lakes and seas.
The National Maritime Museum is home to hundreds of years of seafaring history, from the vast Pacific to the icy Arctic and Antarctic Oceans. This World Oceans Day event gives you a chance to dive into the past, present and future of our blue planet.
Activities on the day will revolve around UNESCO’s seven principles of ocean literacy, including the notion that the ocean makes Earth habitable. The partnership between Royal Parks and Royal Museums Greenwich means you can explore how marine environmental issues are linked to the land, and the importance of green spaces in tackling the climate crisis.
On World Oceans Day, you can follow a self-guided trail around the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory Greenwich to learn how the ocean makes Earth habitable.
Along the way, there will be scientists and ocean experts, as well as creative workshops. There will be seven stations to find, marking the seven principles of ocean literacy. Those who participate in the trail will also be entered into a prize draw.
Start at the National Maritime Museum to receive the trail booklet, then walk around Greenwich Park to find stations at the Royal Observatory, Boating Lake, Bandstand and more.
There will also be musical performances at the Greenwich Park Bandstand with live music from 10-piece band Metronomes Steel Orchestra throughout the day.
At three times throughout the day (11:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm), there will be a free talk at the Cutty Sark on ocean machinery, winds, currents and the Cutty Sark’s famous routes.
Plus, budding ocean explorers should look out for the magical merfolk face painters for the chance to be transformed into ocean creatures, from a piece of coral to a little fish. Face painting costs £5, and is taking place outside the National Maritime Museum.
Dr Bike will be at World Oceans Day, too. So, bring your bicycle along for free bike maintenance from 11am to 3pm on the day.
Date: Saturday 8 June 2024, 10am to 4pm
Romney Road, SE10 9NF
