SIX scientists from the Met Office will be building sandcastles on Teignmouth beach today [Saturday].
But they are not on holiday, and the sandscape city they aim to create will highlight the effects of air pollution on health.
The boffins are collaborating with the organisers of the internationally renowned Trail (Teignmouth Recycled Art in the Landscape) of sculptures from recycled materials, which is one of the highlights of the local arts calendar and features the work of local arts and community groups and international professional artists.
There will be two workshops and the public are invited to take part in the project as part of the twelfth Trail.
‘Once the city is built, we will blow dry ice through it to show how air pollution travels through our urban areas before watching it be reclaimed by the incoming tide,’ explained Amy McCarthy from Trail.
‘The Met Office have previously worked with artists in workshops at big events, including the Green Man Festival, and as part of Bournemouth Arts Week, and we are privileged to have them donate their time and expertise to us for free.’
It takes place to the left of the pier, with workshops throughout the day. Booking for the noon slot starts at 11am on the seafront.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Places are limited for each workshop, with booking on a first come first serve basis.