Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2010 | Page 93
country life
Island Life - August/September 2010
Photo: Left: Shoresearch in action by Amy Dale
Photo above: Beadlet anemone by David Kilbey
out more and helping the Wildlife
Limpets
shores on the Hampshire coast, there
Trust’s Marine Team survey Hampshire
These common creatures can live up
are still pools that form in the muddy
and the Isle of Wight’s shores why
to 20 years and are very important for
gravel shores. Calshot, Lepe and
not join in with our expanding group
the ecology of the seashore. They slide
Hamble all have these ‘mud pools’ and
of marine life enthusiasts. You do not
around when the tide is in, scraping
you can find a range of creatures in
need to have any knowledge of marine
seaweed off the rocks with their rough
them including shannies and snails.
life before joining in with Shoresearch
tongue. When the tide goes out,
Man-made structures such as piers,
as there will be experts on hand to
limpets return to exactly the same spot
jetties and groynes are also home to
help with identification. A training
and this is called their home scar.
anemones and limpets. The Isle of
course is also available which explains
Wight is a great place for a true rock
more about the survey methods and
Pipefish
pool. Head for Bembridge Ledges or the
species identification. For further details
Pipefish are related to seahorses but
ledges near Luccombe for some truly
about the Shoresearch project, visit
look more like worms or snakes. These
spectacular rock pools to explore.
our website www.hwt.org.uk or email
shy creatures can be found at low tide
[email protected].
in rock pools, hiding among seaweed
Whilst there are not many rocky
And if you are interested in finding
Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com
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