Create your own Citizen Science Hub

The Big Rock Pool Challenge is growing across the UK.

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If you care about marine life and want to bring your community closer to nature, this is your chance to make waves. Leaders of new hubs across the UK play a vital role in running exciting monthly BioBlitz Battle events—bringing people together to discover, document, and protect their local marine biodiversity.

Why step up as a Hub Leader?

  • You'll receive full training, support, and a starter kit
  • Join a vibrant, UK-wide network of marine advocates
  • Gain leadership experience in citizen science and community engagement
  • Be part of a movement that’s changing how we connect with our coastline

What's on offer?

Becoming a Big Rock Pool Challenge hub is an exciting opportunity to lead your own coastal conservation movement — with everything you need to hit the ground running:
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  • Full starter kit (worth £3,000+) — gazebo, ID guides, signage, safety gear & more
  • Expert training — fun, practical sessions to build skills and confidence
  • On-the-ground support — we’ll join you for one of your first events
  • Free t-shirts — for your whole leadership team
  • Nationwide network — connect with fellow hubs via our MyMBA platform
  • Ongoing guidance — we’re with you every step of the way

Whether you're a marine biologist, student, educator, or simply someone who loves rock pools, you can lead a hub that sparks curiosity and action.

Meet our new hubs for 2025 below. Do get in touch if you wat to be part of this exciting expansion. 

Submit your interest now

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  • East Sands Beach, St Andrews

Just a short walk from the heart of St Andrews, East Sands Beach is a vibrant stretch of golden sand with something for everyone. Families can enjoy hours of fun splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, and exploring the rocky pools teeming with crabs, starfish, and other coastal treasures. Find out more about East Sands.

  • Beadnell Haven, Northumberland

Beadnell haven is off the B1340 road in north northumberland. Navigate to park by Beadnell convenience store by the village green. Walk south until you see the entrance to the beach and head right (south) to find a rock pool project flag. Find out more about Beadnell Haven.

  • Menai Bridge, Bangor

A small rocky shore under the Menai Bridge with an adjacent sandy bank and adjacent mud flat makes for a highly diverse location for intertidal species from fish to worms but most importantly sea slugs! Find out more about Menai Bridge.

  • Shoeburyness, Southend-on-sea

East Beach, Shoeburyness is accessed off Rampart Terrace, SS3 9AE.  What3words ///lifestyle.pictures.pitch.  Parking is with the Southend Parking App or card machine.  The steps to the beach are in front of The Beach House Cafe.  Look for The Rockpool Project sail flag. Find out more about Shoeburyness. 

  • Ovingdean, Brighton

A quiet pebble beach on the scenic Undercliff Walk just east of Brighton. The area is characterised by chalk cliffs and a wave cut platform with rockpools (chalk reef) extending from Brighton Marina to Eastbourne. Find out more about Ovingdean.

  • Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire

Located on the Solent at the eastern end of Lee-on-the-Solent is a shallow sloping sand and shingle beach. The area attracts a wide range of marine life and is part of the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site, as well as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), making it a perfect site for both beginners and experienced rock poolers to explore. Find out more about Lee-on-the-Solent. 

  • Kilve Beach, Somerset

Kilve Beach, on the North Somerset coast, is a rocky shoreline recognised for its rockpools and fossils. At low tide, limestone ledges reveal pools supporting crabs, snails, anemones, and small fish. The beach is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, valued for both its rich geology and biodiversity. Find out more about Kilve Beach.