A camera shot of a sunset over th village of Oreston

Letter to the ocean

This is a five to 20 minute reflective activity designed to help you get in touch with your feelings of ocean anxiety, so that you can recognise and release it.

    Before you begin

    You will need:

    • Something to record your letter, like a pen and paper, laptop or computer. Alternatively, you can speak your letter out loud.
    • A quiet space to reflect and write or speak.

    Time taken:

    The time you need will vary depending on how much you have to say. For some, it could be a quick five-minute activity, for others it may take longer. We'd advise spending no more than 20 minutes on this activity.

    A goby looks at the camera with a characteristic fearful/sad look on its face. It has big black eyes with yellow rims, a downturned mouth and speckled skin. In the background is blurred purple maerl which is a type of calcified red seaweed.

    A goby on maerl  |  Image credit: Georgie Bull

    The activity

    This activity is designed to help you get in touch with your eco-anxiety. We recommended that you follow it up with one of the activities shared on our eco-anxiety resources page so that you can release any difficult feelings that may arise and return to a place of ocean optimism.

    If you're already aware of your eco-anxiety, or don’t feel like exploring it any further, feel free to skip this one and try one of the other activities.

    Letter to the ocean resource
    Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus), which is identified as the largest fish in British seas and the second-largest fish in the world.

    A basking shark in UK waters  |  Image credit: Peter Bardsley

    This project is funded by the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.

    Green Recovery Challenge Fund

    Co-funded by the European Union.

    Other mindfulness resources

    Eco-anxiety resources

    Do you feel worry or concern for the environment? These tools are designed to support you through experiences of eco-anxiety.
    A silhouette of a lone fisherman under a pier.

    Eco-anxiety support

    Ffind links to organisations that may be able to offer further support to those affected by eco-anxiety, and opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

    Watch our mindful ocean playlist

    If you’re in need of a few minutes of calm, watch our soothing ocean playlist and let the relaxing sounds and imagery ease your mind and quiet your mind.