Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s marine project, Secrets of the Solent, has unveiled an exciting new photography exhibition celebrating the people who work daily on our region’s waters and play an essential role in shaping its future.
Rescue crew, ferry workers and conservationists are just some of the extraordinary people whose stories are captured by photographer Tom Harrison, exploring how the rich cultural history and inspiring natural beauty of our incredible marine environment influences their lives.
The People of the Solent exhibition will be displayed at the Quay Arts Centre in Newport until 5th November. The gallery is open every day from 09:00-17:00 and is free to enter.
Bembridge RNLI volunteer Dawn Hodge features in the exhibition as the first female Helm of the Bembridge Inshore Lifeboat in the station’s 155-year history. She says:
“I’ve lived on the Isle of Wight in Bembridge for the last 50 years and I think we need to look after the Solent more in the future.
“There’s been well-publicised problems with sewage, the loss of our blue flags and the pollution of our seas by things like plastic as well.
“I think if we want to continue to use this beautiful natural resource then we need to take better care of it.”
Dr Tim Ferrero, senior marine biologist and Secrets of the Solent project manager, said:
“The Solent has been a focus for human activity since the end of the last ice age. Today, our internationally important Marine Protected Areas, and the wildlife and habitats they support, have to coexist in one of the busiest waterways in the world.
“The people who work on or by the Solent are often those who know and experience it most closely. We wanted to celebrate these ‘People of the Solent’ and, in particular, the attachment they feel to the strait’s wonderful habitats and their desire to see it protected and valued by all.
“This aim lies at the heart of the Secrets of the Solent project and all the marine work undertaken at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and is shared by our inspiring volunteer Marine Champions.”
Photographer Tom Harrison says:
“It has been such a privilege to meet and photograph so many fascinating people for the exhibition.
“I hope my images capture and emphasise how engaged and passionate each of the subjects are in their given fields and highlight the vital role they play in shaping the future of the Solent.”
To find out more about the People of the Solent exhibition and the Secrets of the Solent project, visit www.hiwwt.org.uk/secrets-of-the-solent.
