Eggtopus Trail
Easter event is a shore thing
The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) helped spread its marine eco-message with an Easter-themed event called the Eggtopus Trail at their marine discovery centre known as The Octopus.
Offering children and adults a series of challenges which earned them an East- er goodie bag, the event attracted a large crowd of visitors who completely filled The Octopus to capacity.
Outdoors, children enjoyed a host of energetic and fun challenges which included a ball throwing game – aiming for the gaps in an elaborately decorated octopus themed board in order to achieve at least one direct hit. In a nearby tent children threw balls at a cup arrangement to knock over stacked cups which could also earn them a stamp on their challenge card which included seven events to take part in.
Indoors, the remainder of the challenges and exercises included a fascinating look into microscopic sea life under a microscope, as well as a popular Easter egg pouch-making exercise hosted by Eco Savvy. Reducing plastic waste while learning the useful reuse and recycling skills of sewing, children left with reusable pouches filled with Easter treats.
Continuing with the make-it-yourself theme, children also enjoyed another creative venture by building their own toys using simple components, many of which can be recycled and found in the average household.
COAST is a community organisation working for the protection and restoration of the marine environment around Arran and the Clyde.
One of their aims is educating and informing young people about the need for marine conservation which they accomplish by working with schools, universities, community groups and a regular series of events that are held throughout the year.