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 93