Septimus at sea
Septimus’ great adventures continue.
Invited to be a VIP guest on Lundy Island, Septimus jumped at the chance, as the centre piece of CSGRT’s mobile, pop up marine centre exhibition. St Helen’s church has recently been beautifully renovated and made a spectacular setting for CSGRT’s exhibition to help celebrate the island’s 50th anniversary of being managed by the Landmark Trust on behalf of the National Trust.
As soon as Septimus had agreed to go, CSGRT Ranger Marion began making plans with island staff about the best way to transport him safely there. Septimus was delighted to find this meant a return to the sea – albeit in the cargo bay of the Oldenburg, via a box and crane! At least that way Septimus got to fly as well! The wonderful Oldenburg team made Septimus feel very welcome and ensured his safe passage and transfer to land on Lundy’s quayside.
Click here to see Septimus terrifying travel to Lundy! Thank you Rob, Flocky and Dom!
Septimus – land sea and air!
From there the Lundy team took control, providing a new mattress for his comfort in the back of one of their Landrovers and he was duly placed on top by General Manager Derek, Island Manager Rob and Warden Dean. CSGRT volunteer’s Sue and Rob provided additional padding around Septimus’ sides for the very rocky road trip up to the church. The team were delighted to find Septimus had arrived at his destination in the same three pieces he had left home in!
Rob and Marion sharing Septimus’ story
As soon as possible Septimus was released from his boxes, he immediately became the centre of island visitors’ attention. Rob shared his tale as Marion and Sue concentrated on setting up the bulk of the exhibition, which includes features on entanglement, microplastics and ecoproducts. These help to illustrate simple everyday steps we can all take to help the marine environment. Visitors young and old are able to participate in a range of activities illustrating the lives of grey seals and the work of CSGRT as well as buy mementos of their visit. Of course they all get t hear Septimus’ story too!
Visitors of all ages engaging with seal related activities
CSGRT volunteers have done talk about Septimus for visitors and even enlisted the support of others to help with the exhibition. Matti is doing his Queen’s Scout gold Award and spent several half days volunteering with as to achieve his environmental charity commitments.
Giving a talk to the Memory Cafe visitors and Matti facilitating activity engagement
Septimus’ visit to Lundy has been made possible by a constant stream of amazing CSGRT volunteer chaperones, thanks to funded travel and accommodation provided by the Lundy management team.
CSGRT are hugely grateful to everyone who has made this great expedition possible for Septimus.
All our rangers (Amazement and Discovery, Sharing our Seas Photo ID, Creativity and Activity, Sanctuaries at Sea and Research Ranger) participated in this wonderful celebration of seals. Of course, all this amazing work is only possible thanks to our generous funders – the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Peoples’ Postcode Lottery Postcode Local Trust and TEVI – we cannot thank you all enough for funding that has genuinely changed our charity forever!