A Synergy for Seagrass Conservation
Right from the beginning of our partnership with Ocean Conservation Trust we were eager to not just to donate to a charity for the feel-good factor, but to pledge our energy and support to something we believe in. Ocean Conservation Trust existence for the protection and restoration of our oceans, centred around people and positive action, like us they have a passionate for connecting like-minded people, so our collaboration made perfect sense.
We are thrilled to announce an inspiring collaboration that aligns art, quality product, and ocean conservation. We've teamed up with a very special Plymouth based artist (Tom Bird), and the Ocean Conservation Trust to create something truly special. An initiative that not only celebrates the beauty of our oceans but also contributes to their preservation.
The Art of Conservation.
Tom Bird, a South West England-based artist, has long drawn inspiration from the ocean's raw power and beauty. His passion for the sea began in his teenage years, sparked by the mesmerizing scenes he witnessed while surfing. This connection has deeply influenced his work, resulting in stunning seascapes that capture the dynamic interplay of light, water, and movement. Bird’s art doesn’t just depict nature—it invites us to see it with renewed appreciation and urgency.
For this collaboration, Tom Bird has created an exclusive seagrass-themed painting, a visual homage to one of the ocean’s most vital ecosystems. Seagrass meadows are often overlooked, yet they are crucial to the health of our oceans and life beyond, providing habitat for marine life, storing carbon, and protecting coastlines. However, they are under threat, and their preservation is vital.
Product with a purpose.
This unique artwork will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to the Ocean Conservation Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring ocean habitats. But that’s not all—Simpel Wetsuits have used a one-off print of this painting to create a limited-edition line of t-shirts and hoodies. Every piece sold will see 100% of Simpel profits donated to the Ocean Conservation Trust, directly supporting their seagrass restoration projects, such as their innovative "Blue Meadows" approach.
A Shared Vision.
This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a celebration of shared values. At the heart of our brands and initiatives is a deep respect for the ocean and a commitment to its conservation. Tom Bird’s art inspires us to see the ocean in a new light, while the Ocean Conservation Trust works tirelessly to ensure these beautiful seascapes remain healthy and vibrant for future generations. Simpel Wetsuits is proud to bring this vision to life through high quality product that not only looks good and lasts but gives back too.
Together, we can make waves in the fight for ocean conservation. Join us in supporting this cause, whether through the auction, or by wearing a piece of art that carries the spirit of the ocean and aids its protection.
For more information on the Ocean Conservation Trust and their seagrass initiatives, visit [Ocean Conservation Trust] (https://oceanconservationtrust.org).
To view more of Tom Bird’s incredible work, head over to [Tom Bird Artwork](https://tbirdartwork.com).
To shop our limited-edition collection, check out [Simpel Wetsuits](https://livesimpel.co.uk). and click the tab at the top of the page "Charity Auction"
Exploring the Ocean Through Art and Collaboration a Q+A with Artist Tom Bird.
Q: Tom, can you tell us about your journey as an artist and how the ocean has influenced your work?
Tom Bird: My journey as an artist began during my youth in South West England, where I was first captivated by the ocean while learning to surf. The sea's raw power and beauty left a lasting impression on me, especially one evening when I witnessed the sun's rays refracting through a wave, creating an ethereal light show. That moment was a turning point; I knew I wanted to capture that feeling through my art. Since then, the ocean has been a constant source of inspiration—it's dynamic, ever-changing, and full of life. My paintings aim to reflect that mystical quality, allowing viewers to experience the sea’s beauty as I do.
Q: What drew you to this collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust and Simpel Wetsuits?**
Tom Bird: I was genuinely excited when Simpel Wetsuits approached me with the idea of collaborating with the Ocean Conservation Trust. It felt like a natural fit as I have known the guys at Simpel for most of my life and know the passion they have for the ocean, community and supporting others. My art has always been about more than just aesthetics; it’s about fostering a connection to nature. The opportunity to use my work to support ocean conservation is deeply meaningful to me. Seagrass meadows, the focus of this project, are such an important yet often overlooked part of the marine ecosystem. Being able to contribute to their protection through my art is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Can you tell us more about the seagrass painting you created for this collaboration?**
Tom Bird: The seagrass painting I created for this collaboration is an homage to these vital underwater meadows. I wanted to capture the delicate, intricate nature of seagrass, which plays a crucial role in supporting marine life and storing carbon. The painting uses a palette inspired by the cool, calming tones of the ocean, with intricate details to represent the movement and life within these underwater forests. It’s a piece that I hope conveys both the beauty and the fragility of this ecosystem.
Q: How do you see your art aligning with the mission of Simpel Wetsuits and the Ocean Conservation Trust?**
Tom Bird: There's a strong synergy between my art and the missions of both Simpel Wetsuits and the Ocean Conservation Trust. We all share a deep love and respect for the ocean and a commitment to its preservation. Simpel Wetsuits’ approach to eco-conscious fashion aligns perfectly with my values—using sustainable practices to create something beautiful that also gives back to the environment. The Ocean Conservation Trust’s work in protecting marine habitats resonates with my belief that art can inspire change. Together, we’re using creativity and passion to make a tangible difference for the oceans..
Q: How does it feel to see your artwork being used not just as a piece of art but as part of a product line dedicated to ocean conservation?**
Tom Bird: It’s incredibly rewarding to see my artwork take on a new life beyond the canvas. Knowing that it will be used to create limited-edition t-shirts and hoodies, and that the profits from these will support the Ocean Conservation Trust, gives me a sense of pride. It’s a unique way for people to wear a piece of art that carries a message of conservation, and I’m delighted to be part of that.
Q: What message do you hope people take away from this collaboration?**
Tom Bird: I hope that this collaboration inspires people to appreciate the beauty and importance of our oceans, particularly the often-overlooked ecosystems like seagrass meadows. I want people to understand that we all have a role to play in conservation, whether it’s through supporting initiatives like this, making more sustainable choices, or simply fostering a deeper connection with nature. Art has the power to move people, and I hope my work can inspire action to protect the oceans for future generations
Protecting Our Oceans Through Art and Collaboration a Q+A with the Ocean Conservation Trust
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the mission of the Ocean Conservation Trust and your focus on seagrass meadows?**
Ocean Conservation Trust: The Ocean Conservation Trust is dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of our oceans through both human connection and habitat restoration. One of our key focus areas is the protection, regeneration and restoration of seagrass meadows, which are incredibly important yet often overlooked ecosystems. Seagrass meadows provide essential habitats for marine life, store large amounts of carbon, and help protect coastlines from erosion. Unfortunately, in the UK alone, we have lost up to 90% of our seagrass beds since the 1930s, much due to avoidable human activity, declining by between 300-500 Hectares annually. We have a 10-year history working with Seagrass, and our Blue Meadows programme aims to restore and protect these critical habitats.
Q: What drew the Ocean Conservation Trust to collaborate with Tom Bird and Simpel Wetsuits on this project?**
Ocean Conservation Trust: We were immediately interested when Simpel Wetsuits proposed a collaboration with Tom Bird. Art has a unique power to connect people emotionally to the environment, and Tom’s work, which beautifully captures the essence of the ocean, aligns perfectly with our mission. This collaboration allows us to reach a broader audience and engage people in ocean conservation in a creative and impactful way. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to raise funds that will directly support our Blue Meadows programme. The team at simpel clearly have a passion for the ocean and supporting others, it’s rare to find a company like this and we’re thrilled to work with them.
Q: How do you see Tom Bird’s seagrass-themed painting contributing to your conservation efforts?**
Ocean Conservation Trust: Tom Bird’s seagrass painting is not only a stunning piece of art but also a powerful tool for raising awareness about the importance of seagrass ecosystems. By auctioning this piece and using the artwork for a limited-edition clothing line with Simpel Wetsuits, we’re able to generate much-needed funds for our Blue Meadows programme. Every penny raised will go towards protecting and restoring seagrass meadows around the UK, helping to ensure these vital ecosystems thrive for future generations.
Q: What role does public engagement play in the Ocean Conservation Trust’s work, and how does this collaboration fit into that?**
Ocean Conservation Trust: People are the heart of everything we do. We believe that by educating, engaging and inspiring people in ocean conservation, we can create more connectedness with the Ocean and create a collective movement towards a healthier planet. This collaboration with Tom Bird and Simpel Wetsuits is a perfect example of how we can use creative partnerships to reach new audiences and inspire action. By wearing a t-shirt or hoodie from this collection, people are not just supporting our work financially—they’re also helping to spread the message about the importance of our Ocean.
Q: How important are partnerships like this one in achieving your conservation goals?**
Ocean Conservation Trust: Partnerships are absolutely essential to our work. The challenges facing our oceans are too vast for any one organisation to tackle alone. By working with partners like Tom Bird and Simpel Wetsuits, we can pool our resources, expertise, and networks to have a greater impact. This collaboration is a perfect example of how art, product, and conservation can come together to create something truly meaningful. It’s through these synergies that we can achieve our long-term goals of ocean health and sustainability.
Q: What do you hope the public takes away from this collaboration?**
Ocean Conservation Trust: We hope that this collaboration not only raises awareness about the importance of seagrass meadows but also inspires people to think about how their everyday choices can impact the ocean. Whether it’s through supporting our initiatives, choosing sustainable products, or simply learning more about ocean conservation, everyone can play a part in protecting our blue planet. We want people to feel connected to the ocean and motivated to help preserve it for future generations.
