Sustainable Blue Backyard is back for another year as a part of conservation week, offering the chance for locals to learn about nature conservation through fun and free activities.

This year's Conservation Week theme is Nature Through New Eyes and the day will be filled with family fun games and activities to bring people closer to nature and build knowledge about conservation.

The day will consist of a sand sculpture competition, a treasure dig, educational stalls, a beach cleanup, a Sustainable Coastlines Litter Intelligence Audit and locally donated spot prizes.

Educational stalls include Western Bay Wildlife Trust, Waihi Environment Managers, Predator Free BOP, 'Oscar the Seal” from Department of Conservation, Uretara Estuary Managers, Coastcare, The Nest and more.

Every stall will have loads of interesting and fun activities for the kids to get them excited and involved with conservation.

Local artist Jamie Harkins, who creates beautiful sand murals, will be judging the marine themed sand sculpture competition, as well as sculpting his own marine animal to provide inspiration.

The free one day event will be held at Waihi Beach Surf Lifesaving club from 12pm to 2pm on August 16, with a range of activities for the whole family.

For more information and to register for the sand sculpture competition visit the website.