The shores visited this month for the group surveys were Cemlyn (Anglesey terns SPA) and Porthor (Glannau Aberdaron SSSI). We also had three have-a-go surveys to encourage a few more to the group. These were carried out at Rhos-on-sea/Penrhyn Bay (Bae Lerpwl/Liverpool Bay SPA); Nefyn (Porth Dinllaen i Borth Pistyll SSSI) and Trearddur bay (Anglesey terns SPA). Finally, we had two amazing workshops, helping us to build on our knowledge of red algae (Paul Brazier – NRW) and intertidal worm species (Teresa Darbyshire and Kate Mortimer-Jones – Amgueddfa Cymru).

Surveys completed Number of quadrats: 17; Time spent on species searches 70mins (slipper limpet 40mins, wireweed 30); Number of volunteers: 8; have-a-go participants: 10; course attendees: 13

Seasonal findings building on last month’s mention of algae being brought in, we have been using these washings-in to build on our red algae ID since there are plenty of small tufts of red algae, this time of year. We’ve had a recent patch of stormy northerlies too and those have added to our Beached! records with various bivalves and other molluscs being stranded on shore. In larger storms these wrecks can often also include worms within the species tally. Our species features will, therefore, focus on some of these likely strandline sightings giving us an indication of life just off-shore - a red algae, a likely bivalve wrecker and a particular polychaete you might spot on shore.

Bunny ears (Lomentaria articulata) can also be thought of as a string of sausages, to help with ID. It’s a short-growing red algae with constrictions along the rounded branches, making the characteristic feature, helpful for ID. This likes to be kept moist and grows in pools and, in particular, at overhangs. Like most of the red algae species, this is commonly found in the low shore region. Sitting in shady places might mean it gets overlooked and it’s only a good close look that reveals it, often. It can be deep red, but also brown and does bleach.

Otter shell/cragen y dyfrgi (Lutraria lutraria) is a large bivalve which lives in the sand and can commonly be seen by way of a single large, oval-looking shell on shore. This can be a common part of a wreck after wintery weather. When found stranded you will find a large syphon hanging out of the side. This is how it takes in food and oxygen when it sits in the sand. This isn’t the only large bivalve in the area, so take a look at some more and how to ID them in the PDF help at the bottom of our Beached! page.

Sea mouse/môr lygoden (Aphrodita aculeata) is a worm, actually, and rather a beautiful one. We’re not alone in thinking this, as the Scientific name of this group of worms, given in the 1700s, conjures the Greek goddess Aphrodite. It is, again, one which can be found as part of a wreck, so an investigation of the life found within a stranding of invertebrates, might reveal a few of these (not lots). There are several species of these scale worms, but the sea mouse is the only one with these amazing iridescent hairs. It lives just off-shore and likes to rummage around for dead stuff in the sand. These hairs have been studied by researchers keen to mimic Nature to enhance our human-made products (Biomimetics) as they are close to 100% efficient in moving light through the hair shaft (whereas our fibre optic cables have some catching up to do).

The Shoresearch surveys are designed to help monitor some areas of shore by volunteers recording what they find using various types of surveys. Training is given to the volunteers who sign up to help us carry out these surveys.

We are liaising with other organisations to hone these surveys, so they become a vital tool in the help to monitor wildlife in our intertidal areas. Whilst they can also help to introduce volunteers to the species which live in this intertidal zone, the ideal is to build up some regular teams to regularly survey certain areas, building a clearer picture over the long term and in particular to keep an eye out for Invasive species and Climate change indicators.

If you would like to join us to volunteer your time at our repeated survey sites, then please get in touch. It is likely to be just one 2-3 hr session out on shore once every month at the least, as well as any time you can spare to do online training or website reading. 

Want to help with Shoresearch volunteering

Of course, feel free to help in other ways too via becoming a member, donating or buying a gift membership for someone. Thank you.

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