A day in the life of Braunton Countryside Centre work experience student Chloe Glasson on her visit to Lee Bay with Coastwise – 21/02/202
Today I went with Jess [From Braunton Countryside Centre] to Lee Bay beach, which is 2 miles to the west of Ilfracombe. We met up with a coastal organisation called Coastwise. This was my first time meeting them and they were all lovely.
Coastwise specialise in coastal species so they were all experts at knowing what all the different species were called. Whilst I was there the group showed me all kinds of species in rock pools and we could even wander off to find our own species to bring back to show others at the end.
Here are some photos of the most interesting species I saw:
The first species is called a common squat lobster, the second one is called a dragonet and the last species is a long-legged spider crab. There were also many types of starfish and crabs.
Below is some more information on these species.
Common squat lobsters:
These nocturnally active crustaceans are found in extremely low shore and sub-littoral environments. They are often tucked into small crevices and under rocks.
The common squat lobster is a filter feeder and a scavenger, eating both vegetable and animal matter from its environment. Occasionally, it may use its claws to catch small prey.
Dragonets:
Dragonets live over sandy or muddy seabeds, usually in water down to fifty metres or so. As they like to bury themselves into the sand, they avoid rocky areas or shingle or tightly packed sand which prevents them from doing this.
Long-legged spider crabs:
Often found underneath rocks. They feed on seaweed, sea urchins and seashells. When they have moulted and have soft shells, they tend to gather in large numbers for protection and this is also the time that they breed.
About the area:
The small rocky cove, with its imposing coastline on either side, is regarded by some as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Lee. It is a refreshing change to find such a spot that yet remains untouched by the hand of time. At low water even in the height of the summer it remains a tranquil spot with its many rock pools and the small sandy beach.
Recommendation:
I really enjoyed this event, meeting new people and learning about some new species out there. I would recommend this to anyone who’s interested in learning and finding coastal species.
Photo credits: Coastwise, Wikipedia and Devon farms.
By Chloe Glasson.
