FISHING FOR A BIG DRAW

Local people are invited to take part in one of the country’s most curious sand art drawings taking place in Broadstairs’ Viking Bay on Saturday 14 October 2006 at 10.30am.

Thanet Coast Project’s Big Draw this year has linked up with environmental artist Paul Goodrick who leads the creation of ‘a line of fish’. Each fish will be made lying tail to mouth, and as more are created to join the shoal they will be seen to gradually swim their way across the whole of the bay! Each person, family or group, can make one fish and then more if they like! The making process will start at the southern end of the beach on the wet sand below the high tide mark, below the clock tower, and then make their way towards the harbour.

Tony Child, Thanet Coast Project Manager said: “I hope that we may inspire many people to come along and join in on this fun event. During the morning, the line of fish will grow as more join the shoal and they migrate across the full width of the bay! Our sandy bays are fantastic for this type of event and are ideal for showing the beauty of our coastline. There’s also a more serious side behind this – as we hope to raise awareness of the wildlife that we do not usually see, because they are usually hidden within our seas. Our fishermen and shore anglers may often see our live local fish, but the rest of us may not until it reaches our plate covered in batter and usually accompanied by chips! Its still one of the most defining meals in the UK and as consumers we can chose the types of fish that we eat. We can help by choosing fish that come from well-managed and sustainable stocks, rather than from threatened or badly managed fisheries or where there are high levels of by-catch”.

“People that would like to take part will need to bring along a ‘garden spade’ or similar implement and wear old shoes and clothes for the beach and weather conditions on the day. People can sign in, and after a quick introduction, we will gradually spread out in sequence along the shore line, moving forward as we create our fish. There will be some ‘key helpers’ who will work with groups and offer advice if needed’.

To find out more about the Thanet Coast Project’s events, visit www.thanetcoast.org.uk or call 01843 577672.