Restoration of Mousehole Rock Pool
The Pitch
Problem statement
The concept of a Rock Pool was discussed in Mousehole just after the first world war. Local people needed a safe location to access seawater, on their rocky beach, away from the choppy currents of Mounts Bay. The village harbour was and still is a place of work with all the hazards and pollution associated with the fishing industry and its river outlet. After world war 2, the 'welcome home fund' was used to start the community project in 1969. The need is still the same today, in fact the community now appreciates the wellbeing & physical benefits derived from accessing seawater pursuits in such beautiful surroundings and the opportunities to see and learn about the rich marine life within.
Solution
We have achieved our first 4 goals: to pay for a licence from the marine management organisation; restore the pathways from the main public footpath; buttress the western wall which faces the worst gales and reinstate a bench. We now aim to renovate the last remaining areas of broken concrete so that the area is completely safe; purchase safety equipment and communicate via a notice board and website. We will share interesting facts regarding the history of the Pool & community; details on the rich marine life within the Pool and area; safety guidelines; funding thank yous and our vital conservation message.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Our organisation has a wonderful family of volunteers behind us and many community groups/individuals who have put their trust in us - helping us to reach our goals to date. Our Treasurer/Trustee Elaine is a local historian who worked as the Media Officer for the RNLI for 20 years. Her positive relationships within the industry have resulted in numerous newspaper articles. Our Chair/Trustee is a photographer & cinematographer, enabling us to provide amazing footage to TV & sell beautiful images of his work. We are lucky to have Dr Nick Tregenza & our Patron Steve Backshall to guide us on our conservation journey and I am passionate about building on the legacy of my father Harry Pender.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Outdoor Defribrllator (inc VAT) | £546 |
| Notice board (inc VAT) | £954 |
| Graphics - the initial design idea for the notice board display | £500 |
Beneficiaries
1,000 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Our project will ensure that Mousehole Rock Pool will continue to be a wonderful, safe haven for generations to come. The Rock Pool has been a public meeting place for locals and visitors alike since 1970 & we want this to continue. The Pool is free to use and is set in a beautiful but fairly inhospitable beach. People of all ages and of mobilities will once again be able to access the saltwater tidal Pool, with all the wonderful seawater activities it opens up. Building on the passion of our Patron Steve Backshall to encourage the love of nature in children, we know the new safe paths & walls will ensure that they can get close to the marine diversity within. Our long term Friend Dr Nick Tregenza, is an inspiration and resource regarding conservation & marine education. We are unable to measure the impact with figures but have first hand feedback on our face book page, from people who are excited & grateful to be able to use the Rock Pool - recently for a regatta with hand made boats
Track record
The Trustees of the Friends of Mousehole Rock Pool Committee (a registered CIO), have successfully raised almost 40K to date, due to our close community ties and fundraising skills. We have carefully completed the first two phases of building restoration work, whilst ensuring that we fully comply with the strict regulations of the Marine Management Organisation.