Lynmouth to host public search for seashore creatures on the 13th July

A new 'citizen science' project to discover more about Exmoor's coastal wildlife is holding its first public event on the beach at Lynmouth on Sunday 13 July. The Exmoor coast is home to a wide range of marine wildlife, from Atlantic grey seals to colourful strawberry beadlet anemones. But there are many gaps in our knowledge of how different species are faring and how their numbers might be influenced by threats such as invasive species and climate change. The Shoresearch Exmoor project aims to collect information on the animals and plants of the seashore, at eight beaches along the coastline of the national park. A combination of expert-led surveys and public rockpooling events will help to build a clearer picture of Exmoor's coastal wildlife. Surveys have been under way since the spring, and now for the first time all beach-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts can get involved in Lynmouth on Sunday - with no prior knowledge required! Shoresearch Exmoor activities are being led by volunteer interns at Devon Wildlife Trust, all recent graduates from Plymouth University's Marine Institute. Volunteer Sara Marshall said: "The event at Lynmouth is a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors to get better acquainted with Exmoor's rich coastal wildlife. Our range of species cards will help you identify the creatures we find amongst the rocks." Sara continued: "There are fascinating creatures to look out for in Lynmouth's rockpools - you might see starfish that can regenerate lost arms, or anemones with more than 200 tentacles. But by also looking out for exotic species of oyster and seaweed from the Pacific Ocean that have colonized here, people can really help increase our understanding of invasive species on the Exmoor coast." Much of the Exmoor coastline is included in the Bideford to Foreland Point recommended Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). This is one of three north Devon MCZs being considered for designation by the government next year. Devon Wildlife Trust's Senior Marine Conservation Officer Richard White said: "Bideford to Foreland Point was proposed by the local community as an area to protect local marine wildlife. But designation of this stunning stretch of coast as a Marine Conservation Zone has been delayed by the government due to a lack of evidence. By getting involved in the Shoresearch Exmoor event at Lynmouth, everyone can help increase the evidence we have so the case for protecting local wildlife is made stronger. And all you need to do to help is enjoy a fun day at the beach!" The event starts at 10:30 on Sunday with a rockpool ramble at midday, followed by a timed species search. All activities take place on the east side of Lynmouth beach with the meeting point clearly signed by coloured Devon Wildlife Trust flags and banners. To find out more about the project and the Shoresearch Exmoor event at Lynmouth visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call in to the Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre at Lynmouth Pavilion.

Photo: Strawberry Beadlet Anemone Copyright Sara Marshall (All Rights Reserved)



Photo: Common Starfish  Copyright P Naylor (All rights Reserved)