A wonderfully wild morning on the beach – and help for our kelp and our seas
The June event in the “wonderful wildlife” of Seaford was beachcombing. The organisers had visions of us basking in sunshine, and popping afterwards to Holy Cow for ice-cream. However the erratic weather had rather different ideas, and the small but determined group had to plough through high winds and drizzle which got heavier and heavier!
We were looking for evidence of living things from the sea! So seaweed, shells, mermaid’s purses even crab legs, were fair game, and ended up in the bags.
It was too wild to put the table up on the beach so we all dripped our way back to a nearby dining room, where we warmed up over a hot drink. There really was a magnificent haul. Who knew there were so many different types of seaweed? Certainly not me! Also cuttlefish shells and eggs (which were later returned to the sea)
The wild weather may actually have contributed towards the variety of marine debris being thrown up on the strand line! A diverse variety of species could also indicate that our sea is healthy, but there are still regular sewage outflows polluting our waters!
Good news for our seabed came in March 2021 with new legislation preventing trawling on the seabed. At that time the Sussex Kelp Recovery project was formed, to champion, study and facilitate the return of kelp. Kelps are large brown seaweeds found along our rocky shores. In the same way trees give shelter on land, kelp creates a canopy underwater beneath which many species find shelter and food. Not only does kelp support numerous wild creatures, it can also help the battle against climate change by acting as a carbon conveyor and a natural coastal defence against storm action that can cause flooding.
Worried about nature and our seas? Don’t miss the “Restore Nature Now” march this Saturday (22 June 2024) in Park Lane, London. This has 150 diverse organisations and expects to be the biggest nature march ever in London. To travel with others from Seaford:
“Join the 10.24 Seaford train….then we’ll walk or get the bus to Park Lane and march together to Parliament Square. We’re joining the Water section of the march so if you want to make a fish on a stick come to the Climate Hub on Thurs or Friday morning. Or just turn up with your heart on Saturday” Seaford Environmental Alliance
https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/sewage-pollution-alerts/
https://sussexkelp.org.uk/about-kelp
https://www.restorenaturenow.com
Judy
