Secondary school students from across Cornwall are invited to join the first of two inspirational Open Days run by Falmouth Harbour and a host of partners looking at the dynamic maritime past, present and future of the Port of Falmouth and beyond.
For the first time organisations including the Ocean Conservation Trust and RNLI, Cornwall Marine Academy and The Rockpool Project will be gathering at the National Maritime Maritime Cornwall (NMMC) on Wednesday 4 October to open up a world of seafaring and marine industry, ecology and wildlife which co-exist in the UK’s “Atlantic Gateway” to young delegates.
“Young people are our future and we hope they will share their thoughts and ideas as well as be inspired by the incredible maritime world we have around us, in this first event designed entirely around and for them,” says Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden. “As a huge Harbour with hundreds of stakeholders – local, visiting and environmental – we are committed to engaging with people of all ages in a spirit of openness and transparency so we may all feel pride in our Harbour, our waters and the local businesses and initiatives that make our local marine hub thrive.”
Following the Schools Open Day, Thursday 5 October will focus on the globally-important history and culture of this Trust Port. The world-class marine operations, environmental initiatives, businesses and stories which are key to its present and future successes will be presented and discussed in a day of free public lectures.
To kick-off this event Falmouth Harbour and NMMC will again be co-hosting with Cornwall Chamber of Commerce a breakfast for business leaders from across Cornwall to discuss the Blue Economy and “all things future-Falmouth”.
Cornwall’s marine sector has more than 800 businesses which together employ more than 15,000 people and contribute more than £1Billion to Cornwall’s GDP. More than 40% of Cornwall’s marine businesses are based at the Port of Falmouth, making it the beating heart at the centre of the Cornwall marine economy.
The free public lectures, panels and films during the day include marine photographer Martin Stevens’ look at capturing life below our waterline, followed by a discussion led by Falmouth Harbour’s Environment Manager Vicki Spooner of how people can live, work and play by the sea in harmony with the precious marine environment. Vicky will be joined on stage by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
Falmouth Pilot Services will be looking at their crucial work past and present and how to build a Service for the future – as the Harbour awaits the arrival of a cleaner, more efficient pilot vessel which will join the fleet operating 24/7, 365 days a year.
Falmouth Uncovered will delve into the history of the Harbour with tales of pirates, cannibals and hidden secrets, while the sea in all its colours will be the focus of both a discussion on its impact on mental health and wellbeing, followed by the need to respect its power with the RNLI looking at Saving Lives at Sea.
The day will round up with two films presented by Cornwall Climate Care – Under the Surface which examines the challenges facing our marine environment and Down the Drain where ‘lone kayaker’ Rupert Kirkwood takes a journey through Cornwall’s water cycle and offers tips and solutions for how we can all help protect the vital resource we all depend on.
“Our environment and safety are at the heart of everything for our Falmouth Harbour community and these Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and understand the importance of our Harbour’s fascinating past, present and future,” says Miles Carden. “Falmouth Harbour has always had a global outlook – strategically positioned as the UK’s first and last port on edge of the Atlantic Ocean – and we can all celebrate and learn from it together.”

For a full itinerary on Falmouth Harbour’s Open Days on October 4th and 5th at NMMC and details on booking tickets for individual sessions visit www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/openday2023/ . Tickets for the event are free but please note that numbers are limited to 100 persons per lecture.

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