Crowdfunder launched for new home to provide 'sea safety education' and build connections with the water
Sideshore has called the proposals a 'village green by the sea'
Last updated 15th Oct 2026
Exmouth-based not-for-profit Community Interest Company Sideshore is trying to raise £20,000 to help fund a new "village green by the sea.”
The CIC has been operating from a small hut since it was established two years ago, with the total project cost of £150,000 expected to be met by grants, match funding and sponsorship.
Planning permission has been granted on the Mallow – the grassy area next to the Sideshore complex on Queen’s Drive – for a small, sustainable building providing space for environmental and sea safety education alongside activities promoting coastal and social connection, creativity and wellbeing.
Bernie Rhodes, Activity and Project Manager at Sideshore said: “Sideshore Community has proven its value to the community. This Crowdfunder isn’t just about bricks, wood, benches, planting or funding targets. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating a place where everyone feels welcome.
“The temporary hub has shown us that people are looking for connection, meaning and community. Now we have the opportunity to create a permanent place that offers exactly that, every day, for years to come.
“This is where the Crowdfunder comes in. Whether you donate or share the campaign with your friends to help us spread the word, you’ll be helping create something Exmouth can be proud of for generations to come – a community village green by the sea that belongs to everyone.”
Research with the University of Exeter found that around two thirds of visitors to the temporary Sideshore Community hub felt more connected to their community and took more environmental action afterwards, while 88 per cent experienced an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
In June, over 1,000 primary school children worked with marine biologists from the University of Exeter as part of the Sideshore Project fortnight, a free educational program that teaches local school children about sea safety, marine conservation, and coastal arts.
Sideshore Community has also hosted sea swimming events and children’s swimming awards, brought hundreds of people together through community dips, raised awareness of environmental concerns and campaigns, and provided a space for local community groups to meet including Transition Exmouth, Friends of the River Exe, Plant Based ExeChange, Mushroom Food Network and NCI Coastwatch Exmouth.
You can donate via the Crowdfunder page