Creatures of the Deep

Shore search at Walpole Bay Tidal Pool.

Early this morning on a cold damp day I was at the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for its bi-annual draining with the Thanet Coast Project team and cameras from BBC's One Show. When the pool is emptied it is an ideal opportunity to see marine life that is only seen if you are a diver. Today was no exception and here are some pictures.

Squat Lobster 

Sea Spider 

Flat Worm (Gattyana?) 

Hairy Crab 

Dahlia Anemone 

Hairy Crab with Velvet Swimming Crab 

Wrasse 

Sea Sponge

 

 

Not sure when this programme will be televised but they got some good footage and interviews. The above photos are only a small representation of what was found. Lets hope the programme showcases what wonderful marine life we have on our coast.

A Peek Under the Waves at Sunset

Shore Search Walpole Tidal Pool Draining.

What an opportunity to examine marine life not normally seen in the intertidal region of our coast.
Thanet Coast Project sea search in Walpole Bay tidal pool during its annual draining last evening. Here are some images of the evening in perfect weather.

Creatures found included lobsters, squat lobsters, eels, hairy crab, spider crabs, bootlace worm, pipe worms, sand gobies, dahlia anemones and most importantly a colony of velvet swimming crabs which shows their recovery from the disaster reported on this blog in January 2010.

Rocky Shore Safaris Do not miss them.

This week if you want an activity that will fascinate the kids then get down for the Rocky Shore Safaris. They are taking place as follows:

Wed 31 July, 12:30pm - Botany Bay, Kingsgate, Broadstairs

(Sign in: Besides Beach Kiosk, at bottom of steps from Marine Drive CT10 3LG)

 

• Thur 1 August, 1:30pm - Nayland Rock, Margate Main Sands

(Sign in: Promenade, near Nayland Rock shelter CT9 1XN)

As part of "Beach Blast Fun Day"*

 

• Fri 2 August, 2:30pm - Stone Bay, Broadstairs

(Sign in: Lower promenade, near bottom of steps with toilets accesssed from Eastern Esplanade: CT10 1DP)

 

• Tues 13 August, 9:30am - Minnis Bay, Birchington

(Sign in: Promenade by Tidal Padling Pool, CT7 9QP)

 

• Wed 14 August, 10:30am - West Bay, Westgate

(Sign in: Next to West Bay Cafe, CT8 8QG)

 

• Sat 17 August, 2:30pm - Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs

(Sign in: Lower promenade, at bottom of slope to the beach, CT10 1TJ)

Boxes and sieves supplied  and guidance given on exploring our wonderful tidal reefs and rock pools. Experts on hand to identify creatures found.

More details on Thanet Coast Project  website.
 

Who said Rocky Shore Safaris were only for Kids?

Thanet Coast Wardens put on Safari for the Big Kids.

 

Amazing

Discussing the fine points of crabs.

 

Love is in the air!!!

 

Result of Love on the Rocks

Group briefing

 

 

On Friday 28th June over 20 of the Westgate Health Walking Group were treated to a Thanet Coast Warden's led Rocky Shore Safari. The weather stayed dry long enough for them to get down and be kids again. Rock pooling on Thanet's tidal reefs can be enjoyed by all.

 

They were amazed by the variety of marine life found on our coast which included crabs, fish, sea anemones, shells, prawns and shrimps along with all sorts of seaweeds. 

 

 

Many thanks to Wardens Chris, Eileen and Tony who  led the event and gave a wealth of facts about the finds. Look out for future events from Thanet Coast Project this summer and if anyone wants to enjoy a walk the walking group they meet at Westgate Library every Friday at 10.15 am.

 

 

 

 



Bay-watch Walk and Talk

Marine and Wildlife on Thanet Coast by Graham Coastal Warden for West and Epple Bays

Walk with Graham on 15th February 2013 with 25 Westgate health walkers. Many thanks Graham for an interesting Talk and Walk.

 Slides below from his talk.

Anyone interested in walking with a friendly group. They start at Westgate Library at 10.15 am every Friday.