Somerset, England — 20 February 2026 | PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Coral Futures Research and Innovation Centre Launches in Somerset With Operational Coral Research Facility and Free Community Education Programme.
UK’s first coral propagation facility in the South West opens ahead of public fundraising launch, funded entirely by founding directors’ personal investment
Coral Futures Research and Innovation Centre, a not-for-profit company dedicated to coral reef research, community education and conservation, has officially launched in Somerset, England.
Uniquely for an organisation at this stage, Coral Futures opens with a fully operational research facility already in place. Before launching its public fundraising campaign, the organisation’s founding directors invested nearly £20,000 of their own money — as zero-interest loans — to build and commission Somerset’s first coral propagation and research system. The facility, which exceeds 1,000 litres of operational capacity, includes dedicated acclimation and quarantine tanks, two live coral propagation tanks and a deep-water system currently in development, supported by continuous environmental monitoring throughout.
The organisation is registered as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (Company No. 16881502), governed by a board of six independent members including two directors. A CIO application has been submitted to the Charity Commission.
Alongside its research programme, Coral Futures will deliver free coral science and ocean literacy events directly to schools and community venues across South Somerset, requiring no cost from participating schools, families or community groups. The organisation’s Phase 1 fundraising campaign allocates 60% of all income to education and outreach and 30% to research infrastructure, with full transparency published on its Governance page.
Phase 1 priorities include completing the deep-water tank system, launching the free school events programme across South Somerset, and developing a community citizen science programme. The organisation is actively applying for grant funding, including through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All Environment programme.
Notes to editors
Coral Futures Research and Innovation Centre is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company No. 16881502. CIO registration in progress with the Charity Commission.
High-resolution images of the propagation facility are available on request.
Press contact: info@coralfuturesresearch.org +44 (0)790 890 6013
