As part of a student-designed ecology nature trail along Bristol’s River Avon, “Marsh Better” is a light-hearted, 1-minute short film that introduces young audiences to the surprising birdlife supported by the city’s floating eco-islands. Aimed at 16–25-year-olds and designed in the style of TikTok or Instagram Reels, the video blends humour, music, and charismatic wildlife footage with effective science communication.

Originally tasked with explaining how the eco-islands work, our team adapted the narrative to focus on the birds most visible to passersby—ensuring the video could serve as both a moment of discovery and a companion to real-time sightings. Viewers learn key facts about Cormorants, Mute Swans, Moorhens, and Geese, with the film closing on the punny and memorable line: “These eco-islands make the river... Marsh Better!”

The piece was part of a wider MSc Science Communication challenge to engage underrepresented groups with green spaces through audiovisual storytelling. Using accessible subtitles, upbeat jazz, and visual humour, Marsh Better quietly teaches ecology while keeping the tone playful and welcoming—connecting locals and visitors alike to the biodiversity hiding in plain sight.

My roles included:

  • Director

  • Camera Operator

  • ‘Voice of God’ Narrator delivering the scientific facts

  • Lead Editor

  • Collaborator on narrative concept and structure

The video was one of six produced for the Bristol Harbourside Nature Trail, an audio-visual walking route created by Science Communication Master’s students.

The trail runs from Castle Park to Hotwells and features QR-coded videos on topics ranging from invasive fig trees and lichens to harbour cormorants and pollution.

I created the illustrated trail map and consulted on the overall design of the printed poster used to promote the project.