Spring was in the air for Plymouth's first Beach Day
With Spring blue skies and a warming sun, the wonderous watery world of rock pools awaited. After the wintery weather of the last few months, it seemed like pure paradise to be out in the sun, exploring.
The day began at The Plot on Union Street, an amazing community space run by the fantastic team at Nudge Community Builders here in Plymouth. At The Plot, some of the Plymouth team met with the excited, enthusiastic Rock Pool Families and Citizen Scientists who were ready to rock (pool)! Once everyone had arrived, and after some quick introductions, we made our way – by coach – to Mount Batten.
With the The Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre as our HQ for the day, our team, led by Alan Smith, went through a quick plan of action for the session as well as an all-important safety talk to ensure that everyone could enjoy the wonders of the rock pool (and so could the wildlife). Mount Batten Beach being only a short walk away from the Mount Batten Centre, it was the perfect location for the days rock pooling!
Weather? Check
Rock Pool Families? Check
Citizen Scientists? Check
Now all we needed was wildlife!
At the beach
Having been rock pooling on Mount Batten beach a few times myself, I knew, without a doubt, there would be a myriad of amazing wildlife to be found. It did not disappoint with: Edible crabs, Shore crabs and Velvet Swimmers cropping up all over the place. Even a few elusive Hermit crabs wanted in on the day!
After a great session of rock pooling we returned to the Mount Batten Centre for a well deserved slice of cake and a cuppa, and a closer look at some of animals we’d found.
Blue Recovery has got off to a resounding start here in Plymouth, and I for one cannot wait for the next Beach Day. If you want to get involved or find out more about the Blue Recovery Project click here.
Last but by no means least, a massive thank you to Brett Lockwood (@brettlphotography) who was our talented photographer for the day!
Check out some of the amazing wildlife and animals found on the day below.
