Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2016 | Page 77

w Country life ROCKPOOLING Explore the rockpools on the lower shore as the tide goes out somewhere like Bembridge Ledges. It is best to use your hands to collect creatures as nets can cause damage. Make a simple ‘aquascope’ to look underwater using an old plastic tub and plastic wrap. Always go rockpooling on a falling tide - 1-2 hours before low tide is best – and don’t forget to return any creatures back to the water! EXPLORING THE STRANDLINE Can you see a line of seaweed washed up on the beach? That’s the strandline, which is a great place to look for interesting things that have been brought onto the beach by the tide. The eggcases of sharks and rays, nicknamed ‘mermaid’s purses’, are often found on our local beaches, as are whelk egg cases and cuttlebones. Photo: Boy Rockpooling by Matthew Roberts BEACH ART Decide on something to make, this could be a sea creature such as a crab or seahorse or an underwater scene. Then start collecting beach material such as washed up seaweed, driftwood and different coloured pebbles. It might be useful to mark off an area for the beach art with rope. Don’t forget to take a picture before the tide washes it away. Photo: Crab by Matthew Roberts Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of Trust, working for a better future for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: wildlife and wild places in Hampshire • Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide. and the Island. • A welcome pack when you join. • Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine, E-mail: [email protected] delivered to you three times a year. • The chance to take part in local group and community activities, Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife 350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties. Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane,• Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP Reserve Guide. www.visitilife.com Phone: [phone] Aug/Sep 2016_MASTER .indd 77 77 16/08/2016 15:21