18th March 2026
To mark World Water Day on Sunday 22 March, and as part of the exciting transformation of the Hull Maritime Museum, Hull Maritime and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) are launching a captivating new film showcasing the rich and diverse wildlife of the Yorkshire Coast.
This inspiring collaboration highlights the vital role our coastal habitats play in supporting unique species and celebrates the natural heritage found along one of the UK’s most treasured shorelines.
The short film, designed to be child-friendly and engaging for all ages, showcases the stunning natural habitats stretching from Scarborough to Spurn Point. Through vibrant visuals and an engaging narrative, it aims to spark curiosity and encourage care for the unique marine and coastal environments of the North Sea.
Robin Diaper, Curator of Social History at Hull Museums, said: "We want to draw people’s attention to the richness of the wildlife along the Yorkshire coast. This film is a beautiful and accessible way to inspire wonder and appreciation for the incredible natural heritage we have right on our doorstep."
Gillian Osgerby, Programme Director for Hull Maritime at Hull City Council, said: "This inspiring film is a fantastic example of how Hull Maritime is connecting our city’s proud maritime heritage with the natural world around us. It’s vital that we help people of all ages understand and appreciate the incredible wildlife along our coast, and this partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust does just that.”
Andy van der Schatte Olivier, Marine Programme Manager, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Yorkshire’s seas are full of extraordinary life, from seals and puffins to hidden underwater meadows of seagrass. This film gives people a chance to dive beneath the waves and see the incredible marine world that’s right on our doorstep. We’re thrilled to work with Hull Maritime Museum to share the beauty and importance of our local seas, and to inspire everyone to help protect them for the future."
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “As well as being rich in maritime heritage, Hull boasts a remarkable array of natural heritage and its wonderful seeing the two connected in this new film as part of the Maritime Museum’s redevelopment. We’re thrilled to have supported its creation thank to money raised by National Lottery players.”
The film is one of several new digital features being introduced as part of the museum’s major redevelopment, which will offer visitors fresh perspectives on Hull’s maritime heritage.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the film as part of the new displays when the museum reopens, helping to instil an appreciation in these special places and the animals that live in them.
The Maritime Museum is being transformed into a 21st century museum, and this film will be on display when it opens this summer.
The transformation of the museum is part of Hull Maritime, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. It encompasses the redevelopment of six historic sites and two ships in Hull city centre.
You can watch the film here.
