Sharks on Bournemouth beach

A shark sand sculpture competition comes to the beach this autumn as part of the celebrations for European Shark Week from 9 to 17 October.

Organised by Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Bournemouth Oceanarium, it is hoped that the event will raise awareness of these endangered animals.

More than 50% of British shark species are threatened and some are now critically endangered. DWT volunteer Marc Smith, who has worked with sharks in Australia, is organising the event to show people what magnificent creatures they are and to win support for their protection. He said, “There has never been a ‘real’ shark attack involving serious injury to humans in British waters.  Cows are statistically more dangerous to Britons than sharks.

”We hope this free event will attract lots of families and groups of friends to come and learn about our British sharks, build their own and maybe win one of the cool shark-related prizes.

“We want as many people as possible to come down and fill the beach with sharks to show their support for shark conservation.  It will be bucket loads of fun!”

The shark sand sculpture competition is on Saturday 16 October from 11am to 4pm on the beach beside Bournemouth Pier. For more information contact Marc at marc.smith.dwt@live.co.uk or ring Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044.