A HAMPSHIRE conservation group has teamed up with a Southampton shipping company to safeguard Solent waters.

To coincide with World Oceans Day on June 8, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has announced a new partnership with DP World Southampton.

Over the next two years, DP World will donate £50,000 to support the trust’s work to improve the local marine environment.

As part of its Secrets of the Solent project, the port and shipping company will fund two sea bins, which are machines that remove rubbish and plastics from the sea.

DP World will also sponsor the trust’s Young Marine Champion Programme, an initiative which empowers youngsters to take a lead in pushing for better protection of the seas.

Staff from DP World Southampton will be rolling up their sleeves and lending a hand with everything from surveying the foreshores of the Solent to tree planting in the New Forest.

UK Chief Operating Officer of the company, Nick Loader, said: “Our business depends on the sea. We recognise its value and need to establish partnerships with other organisations to help undertake robust stewardship of our local marine environment and to combat pollution.

“Our staff at Southampton are looking forward to contributing towards to the future conservation of the Solent which is such an important marine environment and vital trading lane.”

Director of Fundraising of the trust, Kate Sandys said: ‘We are really pleased to welcome DP World as a partner. Not only are they supporting vital local work to protect the marine environment, but it’s brilliant that they are encouraging their staff to engage with the natural environment around them.

This partnership is a fantastic example of how local business can play a vital part in securing nature’s recovery and creating a wilder future for our counties “

Secrets of the Solent is a four-year project that is celebrates the wildlife that live in local waters. With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is working to safeguard its future, through art, cuisine, citizen science and volunteering opportunities.