The Seaweed Institute is a social enterprise with the aim of promoting sustainable and joyful engagement with seaweed. We seek to learn and share knowledge about seaweed, its ecology and cultural history; whilst advocating against overexploitation.
We run workshops and design activities to share knowledge on seaweed’s ecological significance, cultural heritage and varied uses.
We hope to increase foreshore accessibility, by taking people to the space or bringing elements of the space to them.
We seek to creatively explore seaweeds and the intertidal zone in many different ways.
We work to gather a collective story of seaweed; from people today and records of the past; weaving together a tale of our cultural understanding of seaweed.
Our Team
We are a community interest company (CIC) made up of a varied group of seaweed enthusiasts with different interests, most of us met whilst harvesting seaweed commercially. The project is run by Ruth and Kerry. Together the two began The Seaweed Institute in 2020 inspired by their shared passion for seaweed, food and community.
Our Work
We explore seaweed in many different ways, drawing on our interdisciplinary backgrounds to inform the way we design our projects.
Whilst studying Biology, Kerry focused her studies on the ecology of food systems, her final project explored techniques of farming seaweed. She has a background in outdoor education and has specialised in working in Accessibility.
Ruth graduating from the Man and Food Department at the Design Academy Eindhoven, NL, where she won the 'Kick That Ass Award' by Designer Maarten Baas for her project 'A Drive For Seaweed’. In this project Ruth lived in her custom build seaweed truck and traveled through Europe to learn about seaweed culture.
We are passionate about improving the inclusivity of nature access and environmentalism. Through The Seaweed Institute we combine our skills and experience to design educational experiences which use creative methods of engagement.
Our projects are always inspired by the intertidal ecosystem. We continue to learn from this transitional space, shaped by the rhythm of the tide and moon.
Our Studio
In 2024, we relocated our studio to the Cornubian Arts & Science Trust (CAST) in Helston. The beautiful, light-filled space can accommodate workshop groups of up to 20 people.
