Young individuals in Plymouth have taken a significant step in bringing the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to life within the digital realm of Minecraft, thanks to an innovative summer education initiative spearheaded by local universities.
Project Overview
The initiative, titled Minecraft in the Blue, is a collaboration between researchers from Plymouth Marjon University and the University of Salford, alongside the Plymouth City Council Youth Service. Funded by the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the project aims to immerse 13 and 14-year-olds in the marine environment surrounding Plymouth while fostering essential skills such as confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
Throughout the summer program, participants ventured into real outdoor spaces along the waterfront, engaging in activities such as:
- Rock pooling
- Photography
- Sound recording
- Observation notes
These hands-on experiences served as the foundation for recreating iconic Plymouth landmarks, including Smeaton’s Tower and the Tinside Lido, as well as various marine habitats within a custom-designed Minecraft world.
Empowering Young Voices
Dr. Tracy Hayes from Plymouth Marjon University emphasized the project’s commitment to listening to young people and allowing their ideas to shape the final outcome. “For us, this project is about more than Minecraft; it’s about hearing young people and supporting their ideas,” she stated. “Their voices, creativity, and curiosity are right at the heart of this new Minecraft world.”
The digital environment also features wildlife modeled after species native to Plymouth Sound. Participants conducted research on local animals and habitats, incorporating creatures such as dolphins, seals, basking sharks, herring gulls, cormorants, limpets, and seagrass into the game. This aspect of the project also served to challenge common misconceptions, such as the notion that there is only one type of “seagull.”
Environmental Awareness through Gaming
One notable segment of the game addresses the pressing issue of pollution, presenting players with a scenario where they must rescue a turtle ensnared in plastic waste. This interactive element reinforces the importance of caring for the marine environment and encourages responsible behavior regarding litter disposal.
Dr. Adam Hart from the University of Salford expressed hopes for the project’s future development, stating, “We’d love to see it made available nationally so others can immerse themselves in the marine environment through Minecraft.”
Community Engagement
Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, recently attended a demonstration of the Minecraft world at Plymouth Marjon University. He remarked, “As Britain’s Ocean City, it’s vital that residents and visitors engage with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Using technology like Minecraft helps connect people locally and globally with Plymouth.”
Elaine Hayes, chief executive of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, highlighted the project’s potential to bridge the gap between young people and the sea through digital tools. “Minecraft is played by over 200 million people worldwide, all of whom can and should be able to experience their ocean,” she noted.
