THE Shores of South Devon (marine life) Association, SOSD, arranged a shore based ‘bioblitz’ to Coryton Cove Dawlish with Devon County Council staff including many who work in environmental, historical and archaeological areas for an “away afternoon”.

The visit was arranged by Toby Sherwin co-chairman of SOSD and Cressida Whitton Historic Environment Officer with DCC.

She said: ‘I’ve had some lovely feedback about how enjoyable the afternoon was and we seem to have some good photos too of green worms and sea cucumbers amongst other things.’

Mike Puleston co-chairman of SOSD who also participated said: ‘It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience for us with 27 enthusiastic and inquisitive bioblitzers asking lots of questions.

‘I think the participants were amazed at the sheer diversity of life even just looking at an area of the sea wall, using hand lenses to observe the smaller species such as barnacles, small periwinkles, limpets and topshells.’

The hour passed quite quickly with groups being guided around the shore by fellow SOSD steering group members Rob Morgan, Toby Sherwin and Anne Gwynne identifying Seaweeds, fish, marine Isopods and Anemones.

The idea of a Biobltz is to explore an identified shore area and photograph, identify and record as many intertidal species as possible. The Bioblitz protocol is one based on ‘The Rockpool Project’ based in Cornwall who will verify the finds and upload them to the National Biodiversity Network database.

Mike added: ‘We also explained the ecology of intertidal species particularly habitats and tidal zones where certain species could be found, and explained our shore code to minimise shore footfall impact.

‘The group then enjoyed a swim at Coryton Beach to round off their visit.’